But new research from the religion and society think-tank Ekklesia suggests that those who want to keep the church defined by very narrow parameters are straying from well established Christian tradition.

Anglican wrangling about sexuality and authority in the church is missing the big picture about how the relationship between religion and society is changing, says a new book from the think tank Ekklesia to be published next week.

Ekklesia is a think tank that promotes fresh forms of thought - without relying on tanks. In an interview with SCM, Simon Barrow explains what the deal is with post-Christendom and how to respond to the fuss about religion.

Scottish MP Jim Devine will now vote against the government and a pro-nuclear bishop is questioned on his views

Students from across the UK will gather together this coming weekend at the Student Christian Movement's annual conference to explore the theme of Reading the Bible - against a backdrop where there is increasing public concern aout the way religious texts are often abused by extreme and fundamentalist movements.