The Bishop of Exeter warned that "deviating" from the standard definition of domestic violence used by police could restrict the number of people entitled to support, which therefore created an "unacceptable risk" of harm to vulnerable individuals.

BBC: Peers inflict further legal aid defeats

The Bishop of Leicester, the right reverend Tim Stevens, warned the issue was creating a division between the political classes and practising religious people.

BBC: Gay marriage to be illegal in Church of England

Bishop Anba Damian told German radio that his community had been warned by police about online threats by Islamists.

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Conservative evangelicals have warned they would be willing to bring in bishops from overseas to avoid serving under a gay bishop.

BBC: CofE drops opposition to gay bishops in civil partnerships