Archbishop speaks of complex issues

5:58pm Sunday 6th July 2008

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has spoken of the "agonies and complexities" facing the Church as it struggles with the issues of homosexual priests and women bishops.

Dr Williams said he believed Jesus would be with the groups within the Church affected by the controversies including traditionalists and gay clergy.

Dr Williams was speaking as the General Synod faces a crunch vote on Monday on how far it should accommodate opponents of women bishops within the Church of England.

More than 1,000 clergy had threatened to leave if there were not adequate safeguards put in place to ensure they receive pastoral oversight from a male bishop only.

The controversy over women bishops has come after the creation of a new worldwide movement made up of Anglicans who oppose liberalisation of church teaching on issues such as homosexuality.