What now for the Church of England and gay marriage?

After years of debate, the Church of England could be weeks away from changing its position on same-sex marriage. But will the outcome satisfy either side? Tim Wyatt looks ahead to what may happen  

Next month, the Church of England will finally begin to grasp the nettle of what to do about same-sex relationships.

At a meeting of the General Synod in London, vicars, bishops and ordinary churchgoers will debate proposals from the church’s hierarchy. The plan drafted by the CofE’s most senior bishops has not yet been published. But we do know the bishops will stop short of altering the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples. We also know the bishops will propose “prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God’s blessing” are offered to same-sex couples following their civil marriages. Early indications suggest the proposed changes will not draw a line under draw a line under the tortuous debate on LGBT issues which has bedevilled the church for decades.

How did we get here? Ever since the last major report