Around 1,600 Quakers will gather in York tomorrow for their week-long annual conference. The event is likely to be dominated by a decision on whether to carry out same-sex commitment ceremonies on the same basis as heterosexual weddings.

Bishops in the US Episcopal Church have voted by a majority of more than three to one to take steps towards formally allowing blessings for same-sex partnerships. They will prepare resources before making a decision in three years time.

In a historic and controversial move, the Episcopal Church in the USA, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, has voted to remove the bar on priests in monogamous same-sex relationships from becoming bishops.

A House of Lords vote against the government's proposals on “homophobic hatred” has provoked mixed reactions, with both Christian and secular activists on each side.

Michael Nazir-Ali, the Anglican Bishop of Rochester, is facing strong criticism from both Christian and secular quarters after calling on gay and lesbian people to “repent” of their sexuality.

Christian groups have turned out in strength at today's Pride festival in London, affirming their support for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. A much smaller number of Christians turned up to protest against the event.

For half a century, says Savi Hensman, theologians have vigorously debated lesbian and gay love and the response of society and the Church. Yet theological reflection on these issues, for instance in literature, dates back further.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has attended a confidential meeting of the Clergy Consultation - an ongoing support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersex clergy and their partners.