Relate. Marriage Care. Mothers' Union. Q&A: Women bishops vote. 15 April 2014Last updated at 07:30 ET The general synod rejected the previous women bishops measure in November 2012 The Church of England is taking a fresh look at proposals for legislation allowing women to become bishops, with some predicting that the decades-old debate may be nearing its end What is at the heart of the controversy?
The Church of England decided that women could be priests almost 20 years ago. However, the question of women bishops has remained a thorny issue for the Church, with groups of traditionalists firmly opposed to the idea. Almost all opponents accept there will be women bishops - but they want their safeguards guaranteed. Women bishops vote a 'grim day', says Justin Welby.
21 November 2012Last updated at 02:44 ET The Bishop of Durham, Justin Welby, urged a 'yes' vote at the general synod The next Archbishop of Canterbury has called the rejection of women bishops a "very grim day", as bishops prepare for an emergency meeting on the issue.
The ordination of women bishops in the Church of England was narrowly rejected by its ruling general synod on Tuesday. The Rt Rev Justin Welby, who takes over the Church's top role next year, said the lost vote was hard "most of all for women priests and supporters". Critics had said the change would not bring unity to the Church. The proposed legislation paving the way for women bishops needed to gain two-thirds majority support in each of the synod's three houses - bishops, clergy and laity - but fell short by six votes in the House of Laity. The result was greeted with emotion, with some supporters seen crying.
Human Relationships past question. Human Relationships past question 2. No Sex Before Marriage. Newsbeat - Scottish government branded 'weak' over gay marriage. By Sinead Garvan Newsbeat Reporter in Edinburgh 18 July 2012 Last updated at 07:06 Share Some gay people in Scotland have called the Scottish government "weak" in not supporting gay marriage sooner.
On Tuesday (17 July) the parliament decided it needed more time to consider the issue but a decision will be made before the end of July. If it does agree to it it would be the first country in the UK where gay marriages would be legal. The Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church are strongly against it. There are only a handful of well established gay bars in Edinburgh. They are situated on what's known as Edinburgh's "pink triangle". Inside one bar, newly-engaged James and Kevin are having a couple of drinks while they discuss wedding plans. "A church would be nice, that's what we want," he said. "It's a place that makes you feel comfortable and safe. " Religious groups Two tables up sits 23-year-old Isla.
She said: "Even if you have the same legal rights it's not the same as being married. Gay: Right Or Wrong. Q&A: Gay marriage. 4 June 2013Last updated at 14:00 ET The Church's traditional doctrine is that marriage is "between one man and one woman" Peers have backed plans to legalise gay marriage in England and Wales, including by those religious organisations which want to offer it.
So what are the issues surrounding the government's plans? What's the latest? Peers have voted to back the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill, after two days of impassioned debate. Q&A: Civil partnership. What is a civil partnership - and what does it mean for gay couples in the UK?
What is a civil partnership? Civil partnerships are a legally recognised union between two people of the same sex. While this sounds fairly dry and technical, it is to all intents and purposes a right of marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Couples who become partnered will have the right to exactly the same legal treatment across a range of matters as a married couple would expect. Such as what? All the key elements that come with marriage. It provides next of kin rights for couples, such as in their dealings with hospitals. Why is it not called gay marriage? On a technical level there are differences. This flexibility means that couples can essentially become partnered in private, if they wish. Another important distinction is that marriage as a word has religious connotations, even if a ceremony is only civil. There is, of course, a very large political reason why this is not officially gay marriage.