Ozanne told Christian Today the site is "an important new initiative in the life of the Church of England as it looks to provide insightful weekly articles that bridge divides on issues that are affecting our world, our nation and our Church".

"All too often we sadly only hear from those at the polarized ends of debates," she said. "This new weekly blog will seek to give a clear voice for those in the middle ground."

The stark calculations were revealed during discussions at the Church's decision-making General Synod, which has been meeting in London, about ambitious plans to tackle declining numbers.

It is preparing to pump £72 million into a "reform and renewal" drive which includes plans to ordain 6,000 more clergy in the 2020s to build a younger priesthood which is less male dominated and less white.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has also initiated a major drive to win new converts.

The spin included such elements as saying that the Primates had had their phones removed, and that they were being treated as children. Even some seasoned journalist believed this and printed it as fact.

It became quite a joke among us, with people waving their phones at me from time to time to indicate that my powers were limited. Neither were they treated as children. Secretary General, sit up and keep your hands still. [Laughter]

Both churches are grappling with internal divisions, including a battle over homosexuality, and the service comes as several high-profile figures, including some members of the royal family and former Prime Minister Tony Blair, have left the Anglican Church. (In 2011, a ban on a British monarch marrying a Roman Catholic was lifted after more than three centuries, but Roman Catholics are still barred from taking the throne).