The Church of Norway has rejected a proposal for religious same-sex marriage, even though it had the support of most bishops.
Norway was among the first countries in Europe to grant homosexuals full rights, including marriage and adoption in 2009.
In October, eight of Norway's 12 bishops said they favoured allowing religious weddings for same-sex couples.
But the proposal needed the approval of the synod, the highest decision-making body in the church, which professes the Lutheran Christian faith.
During a national synod on Tuesday, 64 participants voted against and 51 in favour. The delegates will now examine other alternatives such as whether to add a religious blessing to civil ceremonies.
In neighbouring Sweden, the Lutheran church approved same-sex marriages in 2009.
