* Its pronouncement on "gay marriage", in response to the 2004 Civil Partnerships Act which comes into force in December, states that clergy can register their partnerships as long as they pledge chastity.

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement - which reckons that more than 750 partnerships could involve one or more gay clergymen or women - has condemned the bishops' statement as consistent with the Church's "double dealing, duplicity and disregard for decency".

The traditional interpretation of the hermeneutical principle of truth, meaning the ultimate reality or conformity to fact, has been under assault for much of the twentieth century. Western culture has increasingly conformed the traditional principle of truth to the principle of relativism. ECUSA began such a cultural transition in earnest during the turbulent 1960's. It is essential for all readers to understand that ECUSA' s To Set Our Hope on Christ fully adopts this new cultural reality.

Bishop Smith Bishop inhibited the Rev Mark Hansen, rector of St John's, Bristol, Connecticut, for failing to abide by the diocese's sabbatical guidelines -- and by doing so, the diocese claims, pastorally neglecting his congregation.

2. The Lambeth Conference - This is the gathering of all Anglican Bishops that takes place once every 10 years, convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He decides who is to be invited. Usually, it has been all diocesan bishops in good standing in the Communion who are asked to attend, but in 1998 the invitation also went to all suffragan and assisting bishops. No decision has been made for the 2008 Conference.