Obama's aides say he will address the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor at the Trinity Unity Church of Christ, in Chicago.

NPR: Facing Fire, Obama to Give Speech on Race

Dr Philip Giddings, speaking on behalf of the laity, said Dr Williams had worked with "passion and perseverance" for unity within the Church.

BBC: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams

The assembly voted in support of the minister, following a lengthy debate, but called for a special commission to study the general issue "for the sake of the peace and unity of the church".

BBC: Annual Kirk assembly to discuss gay ministers

In his homily, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, called for unity within the church, a not-so-veiled appeal to the cardinal electors to put their differences aside for the good of the church and the next pope.

NPR: Cardinals Celebrate Mass Before Entering Conclave

As if that were not enough, another dispute threatens the Church's unity - over women bishops.

BBC: Church's division lines drawn up

Some argued that the Bible teaches that only men can lead the Church, others were concerned that allowing women bishops would create deeper rifts with the Catholic Church at a time when Christian unity is needed.

BBC: Women bishops vote results in supporters' tears and anger

It was evidence that Benedict XVI's surprise resignation has continued to destabilize the church leadership and that his final appeal for unity may go unheeded, at least in the early rounds of voting.

NPR: Conclave To Elect Next Pope Opens Amid Uncertainty

Delegates will also consider appointing bishops instead of district chairmen to help move towards unity with Anglicans, and vote on whether the Methodist Church should relax its rules which forbid the consumption of alcohol on its premises.

BBC: Methodists told to reject racism

For Mormon church founder Joseph Smith bees offered the ideal symbol for unity, political stability and social cohesion.

FORBES: Magazine Article