The Anglican Church of Canada has voted against marriage equality.

At the General Synod Meeting being held in Vancouver, a vote was held, and defeated, to allow for marriage equality within the Anglican marriage canon.

Shouts of anguish could be heard in the room as the results were read out, according to accounts.

In a release, Bishop Geoff Peddle of the Avalon East Diocese, who voted in favour of the motion, said at least nine parishes have asked to be able to move ahead with same-sex marriages regardless.

He says there is great pain due to this decision, and the Diocese will decide their next move at a meeting in September.