The decision was applauded by traditionalists and several primates overseas but infuriated liberals in the Church.

Although the Church of England officially objected to the legalisation of gay marriage and has opted out of performing the weddings, there have been growing signs of a more relaxed stance on homosexuality.

The changes have been rapidly accepted: importantly by people with power and influence, and then filtering down to the general population. The message has been imposed through a combination of relentless teaching and threats of punishment for resisting. And there is a real belief that the changes are wholly positive and part of the progress of civilisation. In the face of this remarkably successful campaign, how has the church responded?

Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies, who will preach at the service, said he will be "delighted to welcome the royal couple to the celebration of Easter at the Cathedral church of St. Andrew."

The couple will also visit Brisbane, Uluru and Canberra.

On Anzac Day, Prince William will lay a wreath during a Commemorative Service at the Australian War Memorial and plant a Lone Pine tree, the seed of which came from Gallipoli in the Memorial Garden.

END

There is not one corner or acre of this country that the church does not cover. Wherever you live you are in someone's parish, and are someone's responsibility, even if you have no faith. And if you need help, you can count on the church to at least do something. To be honest, clergy know far more about the state of the country and how the government's policies have affected everyday people than the MPs do themselves, and they are elected to know.