From a conservative-orthodox point of view it is notable that the language in the letter is almost entirely that of the LGBT side of the debate. 'Respect' appears six times, 'inclusion' four times, the phrase 'everyone has a place at the table' twice, and the pain felt by some as a result of the church's ongoing debates is acknowledged on two occasions. In full apologetic mode, the bishops state: 'As a Church we have continually failed our sisters and brothers in Christ'.

The move to invite a preacher from another faith has been fiercely criticized by Adrian Hilton in his blog, bearing the curious name of Archbishop Cranmer. The Anglican blog post said it was hard to comprehend how an imam speaking at a Eucharist service sermon would respect divine worship, a sacred act in itself, an action which should be conducted as per the formularies and associated rites of CofE.

The ten active bishops include the bishops of Blackburn, Peterborough, Durham, Willesden, Lancaster, Ludlow, Plymouth, Carlisle, Birkenhead and Maidstone. One former bishop, Mark Rylands, Shrewsbury also signed.

According to a report in Christian Today, a British magazine, other bishops who did not sign were in general agreement with its contents.

"It is deeply humiliating, and an affront to human dignity, to deny someone a service because of that person's race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or any of the other protected personal characteristics," the judgment said. "But that is not what happened in this case and it does the project of equal treatment no favors to seek to extend it beyond its proper scope."