The Church of England affirms, according to our Lord's teaching, that marriage is in its nature a union permanent and lifelong, for better for worse, till death them do part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side, for the procreation and nurture of children, for the hallowing and right direction of the natural instincts and affections, and for the mutual society, help and comfort which the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.

Any potential alterations, which would mark a departure from traditional Jewish and Christian teachings dating back millennia, would have to be approved by synod, the church's decision-making body.

Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and vice-chair of the liturgical commission responsible for the matter, said the church had been "exploring the use of gendered language in relation to God for several years".

After the report to West Midlands police, Mr Margrave received messages from the police saying, "If we do not hear from you today, we will visit your house."

No further action to date has been taken against Mr Margrave, however he is concerned that a 'non-crime hate incident' may have been recorded against his name and he has said that he lives in constant fear of getting 'the knock at the door.'

'Christian incompatibility of Pride'

Dear Bishop Sarah,

As the members of the PCC's standing committee, we are writing on behalf of the St Helen Bishopsgate PCC, and our various congregations, to express our grave disappointment and concern at the House of Bishops' response to Living in Love and Faith.