But if you are an old lady who has served your local parish church faithfully down the years, the lack of pastoral provision really hits you. You walk down to your local church on a Sunday only to find a notice affixed saying that the next service is in a month’s time.

As for being visited in your home, that is becoming virtually unheard of, whether by a vicar or by an over-stretched church volunteer.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who has championed the proposals, said: "In my heart, I think we are OK."

Should the measure fail to get the two-thirds majority it needs among the synod's lay members – it is certain to pass the separate votes of bishops and clergy – Welby will consult with his fellow bishops as to what should be done and make an announcement as soon as possible.

He also asked specifically that the Archbishop be "encouraging and ensuring the appointment of 12 conservative evangelical bishops".

The Church of England has resisted quota systems. A previous move during the 2013 November Synod to guarantee a place for at least one evangelical bishop in the College of Bishops was rejected.

Questioned by MPs, Mr Cameron declined to offer support for the idea of laws to defend Christian beliefs. Instead he told the Commons that gay equality rights are part of being British.

Cameron has batted aside calls for a 'conscience clause' to protect Christians persecuted for their beliefs. He said that tolerance and equality for people with different sexualities are ‘a very important part of being British.’