Anglican church apologises to married couple given ultimatum over their same-sex relationship

They formed their own church called the Congregation of St Francis and the new congregation decided to take legal action against the Armidale diocese.

Last month, Grace and Sanders received an apology from the dean of the Anglican diocese of Armidale, Reverend Christopher Brennan.

But the couple are disappointed with the apology and are questioning why it took so long to clarify.

Grace and Sanders said a simple verbal apology at the time of the alleged misunderstanding would have sufficed. The Guardian understands the legal action has now been settled.

Sanders said women provided the majority of energy to start their new congregation, including Marg Kennedy and Marg Hadfield as well as 97-year-old Thelma McCarthy.

But the death of McCarthy in March this year precipitated another crisis because no one was able to perform the last rites and give holy communion at the hospital.

Sanders feared that any local Anglican priests who wanted to help could face reprisals.

Sanders and Greg Horsley were chosen to be recognised by their new congregation, and they were commissioned as Eucharistic ministers by the Uniting Church, making them priests of the Congregation of St Francis.

While their ordination would not be recognised in either the Uniting or Anglican churches, it is recognised in their own congregation, allowing them to hold communion and look after the congregation in a sacramental way.

The Uniting Church has also given them space to hold their services and the core congregation, while small, is looking to grow.