The Church of England was plunged into turmoil tonight after legislation introducing the first women bishops failed to clear its final hurdle at the General Synod.

Episcopalians in the US have declared gays and lesbians eligible for “any ordained ministry”, a vote expected to upset world Anglican leaders who had sought a clear moratorium on consecrating another gay bishop.

The Bishops of the Church of Ireland meet in Dublin this week to elect a new primate.

THE Primate of the Church of Ireland, Archbishop Robin Eames, intends to retire at the end of the year.

A new Church of Ireland Bishop of Cashel and Ossory is to be elected at the end of next month, it emerged today.

HOMOSEXUAL, bisexual and transsexual people should be treated with "compassion" and as equal Christians, according to a new Church of England guide published yesterday.

Homosexual, bisexual and transsexual people should be treated with “compassion” and as equal Christians, according to a new Church of England guide published today.

US Episcopal leaders delayed a vote on whether to confirm the church’s first openly gay elected bishop after allegations emerged that he inappropriately touched a man and posted a pornography link on a youth website, a church spokesman said.

US Episcopal leaders delayed a vote tonight on whether to confirm the church’s first openly gay elected bishop after allegations emerged that he inappropriately touched a man and posted a pornography link on a youth website, a church spokesman said.

A Protestant priest who faced being defrocked for publicly stating he did not believe in the divinity of Christ tonight announced his resignation.

An Irish priest who said Christ was neither a saviour nor divine was today hauled before senior churchmen and accused of heresy.