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.

Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Reading, was stopping commuters in their tracks this morning (Monday 4th June) and handing them egg timers.