Church of England braced for fresh row over gay rights

The Church of England faces fresh divisions over same-sex marriages as new laws bring religious partnership ceremonies a step closer, its leading official has warned.
By Tim Ross, Religious Affairs Editor
23 Nov 2010

Homosexual couples could be allowed to register their civil partnerships in traditional religious ceremonies under reforms currently being considered by ministers.

Liberal Anglicans are likely to press for civil partnership registrations to be held in churches, according to William Fittall, secretary general of the Church of England's parliament, the General Synod.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's inauguration of the newly elected Synod by the Queen, Mr Fittall said: “The gay issue will not go away. the rest