When the first Lambeth Conference opened in 1867, only 76 of the Anglican Communion's 144 bishops accepted an invitation by the Archbishop of Canterbury to attend because of disagreement about the church in British colonies.

Bishops from the worldwide Anglican Communion have been experiencing hospitality visits and prayer retreats in advance of the formal element of the Lambeth Conference, which is meeting on the campus of the University of Kent.

Participants in the Lambeth Conference are being invited to theatre show from a leading performance artist who offers to take them on a spiritual journey with lesbian and gay people.

The openly gay Anglican Bishop of New Hampshire in the USA has spoken today of his sadness for a protester who interrupted his sermon on Sunday - urging Christians to overcome prejudice and fear with love.