“The subcommittee’s work is admirable and offers a thorough analysis of the grave ecumenical and inter-Anglican problems caused by ECUSA’s decisions at General Convention 2003 as well as the consecration of V. Gene Robinson,” said Bishop Duncan. “This document is particularly significant given the continuing unilateral actions of ECUSA leaders, such as the Bishop of North Carolina’s recent decision to allow same sex blessings in his diocese,” he added.

Tomorrow Williams will make a keynote speech outlining the church’s growing commitment to green causes and emphasising that humans should no longer see themselves as having “dominion” over the earth. Instead they are its stewards, he will say.

The archbishop has tried to set an example by taking delivery of an environmentally friendly, semi-electric Honda Civic IMA as his chauffeur-driven official car.

As it was remarked by several of you last week, Father Don Curran's resolution that we support The Network financially came to us at the end of our meeting in May without any advance warning, and several of you expressed a degree of discomfort with making a decision like that and having no chance to reflect or pray about it beforehand.

But Martin Reynolds, of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, urged parishioners to give him a chance.

Caring pastor

Mr Reynolds told BBC News that Dr John has a "fantastic, pastoral heart" said he was "horrified" by objections to the appointment. "To the people of St Alban's I say you've got a fantastic parish priest, a fantastic dean - give him a chance," he said.

And the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Rev Christopher Herbert, also welcomed Dr John's appointment.