Explained: What the Church of England has decided about gay relationships

Clergy in the Church of England will be able to host services of blessing and thanksgiving for couples on same-sex relationships, but not marry them. Heather Tomlinson answers your questions

Why do I keep on hearing about Synods?

The Church of England has just held an important General Synod, where recent proposals on same-sex relationships from the bishops were debated. The proposed new prayers for same-sex couples have proved particularly newsworthy and controversial in the lead up to this meeting. 

What is a Synod, anyway?

A Synod is a group in a church that decides things. The CofE’s General Synod is a bit like a parliament for the established church. It’s held three times a year, and all the different dioceses (which are like the local councils of the CofE) have to elect both lay people and clergy to attend these meetings. So there are a lot of ordinary Christians who can speak and vote – although it does tend to attract campaigners for change within the church. There are bishops, too.

Why are they arguing about sex again?