However, critics fear that traditional values could be lost amid the speed of change, lack of consultation and a new culture of setting goals and targets. "Some of those driving the Reform and Renewal agenda don't seem to understand the complex nature of the institution they are seeking to improve. In trying to change the church, there is a significant risk of unintentional vandalism," said Martyn Percy, dean of Christ Church, Oxford.

After a keynote presentation by the Rt Revd Jonathan Goodall, Bishop of Ebbsfleet, on the Society bishops' recent statements on Communion, Catholicity and a Catholic Life, the Assembly replaced constitutional references to Forward in Faith's previous Communion Statement.

Jeremy's opening comment was that the verdict was no surprise to him. This was interesting, since it contradicted the confident comments of his supporters prior to the judgement being announced, and suggests that Jeremy initiated the case not because he would win, but because it would gain publicity. Presumably the same will be true of his planned appeal.

It comes after former Bishop of Lewes, Peter Ball, was jailed for 32 months on October 7 for committing acts of "debasement" in the name of religion with regards 18 vulnerable victims.

On Thursday last week, former Bishop of Chichester George Bell, was also outed as an offender after the Church paid compensation to a victim he abused more than 50 years ago.