The natural presumption of Establishment insulates the Church of England, says Simon Barrow. Even worse, it takes the opposite direction to Jesus, who rejected worldly power in the Temptation that Christians recall during Lent.

Two evangelical Anglican bishops have come out with contrasting statements on homosexuality recently, points out Mark Vernon. One recognises that the issue is about love, the other sees only rules, it seems.

Bishop of Liverpool James Jones has called for a change of heart among Evangelicals in the bitter argument about sexuality, Scripture and authority. But he has not fully sanctioned same-sex relations, as some media reports have suggested.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will honour Liverpool's achievement in taking on the mantle of European City of Culture by making a two-day pastoral visit to the Diocese and people of the area later in January.

In a significant demonstration of growing opposition to Britain's involvment in the arms trade, Liverpool City Council has voted unanimously in favour of pulling its pension fund out of arms investments.