According to the Campaign for Equal Marriage, every diocese was represented among the signatories, who ranged in experience from assistant curates to bishops.

Mr Pietroni continued: "There can be no more delay. We look to the bishops to allow freedom of conscience for clergy who wish to bless same sex couples, and for clergy married to their same sex partners to serve in ministry. The bishops must give a clear message that marriage equality will follow."

A church worker who sexually assaulted boys as young as seven has been jailed for 12 years, after a widow of one of his victims said he took his own life after revealing the abuse he suffered.

Choirmaster and church organist, Richard Owen, 71, began his jail sentence today after he was found guilty of assaulting 14 boys during sexually charged corporal punishment beatings.

The eight groups attending the meeting include the General Synod Gender and Sexuality Group, Inclusive Church, OneBodyOneFaith and The Ozanne Foundation, amongst others.

They are hoping the Church of England will make a "radical new commitment" to LGBT+ inclusivity, including a ban on conversion therapy (which was previously agreed by the General Synod) and an "end to homophobic and transphobic teachings" which "underpin systemic abuse."

Mpho Tutu van Furth, an ordained priest in the Anglican church, was invited to preside over the funeral of Martin Kenyon, who died last week at the age of 92. The C of E said its actions were "in line with the House of Bishops current guidance on same-sex marriage".

Tutu van Furth's wife, Marceline, a Dutch academic, accused the C of E of homophobia. She said the couple had visited Kenyon in April, and he asked Mpho to preside over his funeral.