Four same-sex couples and four mixed-sex couples have begun a legal challenge to secure equal rights to marriage and civil partnership in the UK.

The General Synod of the Church of England has voted in favour of the Anglican Covenant, but influential conservative leaders have firmly rejected it.

As the C of E General Synod discusses the proposed Anglican Covenant, campaigners are pushing hard for a debate about the potential risks involved.

A leading UK network of Anglicans working for the full inclusion of lesbian and gay people in the life and ministry of the church has welcomed the US Episcopal Church's affirming stance.