The conference, ‘Religious Life and Renewal: Exploring Roots and Shoots’, has three aims: to give members of religious communities around the country an opportunity to interact with Archbishop Justin’s vision for the renewal of Religious Life; to receive affirmation and build vision together; and to seek to reinvigorate and reimagine connections between religious communities and the church’s structures.

The interim arrangement, in place while a long term solution is found, ends the 500-year-old relationship between the islands and the Diocese of Winchester.

The agreement was signed by the Deans of Guernsey and Jersey, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Dover and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Mr Welby said: "I am delighted that we have found a way forward which engages the full support of everyone concerned."

The decision was applauded by traditionalists and several primates overseas but infuriated liberals in the Church.

Although the Church of England officially objected to the legalisation of gay marriage and has opted out of performing the weddings, there have been growing signs of a more relaxed stance on homosexuality.

The changes have been rapidly accepted: importantly by people with power and influence, and then filtering down to the general population. The message has been imposed through a combination of relentless teaching and threats of punishment for resisting. And there is a real belief that the changes are wholly positive and part of the progress of civilisation. In the face of this remarkably successful campaign, how has the church responded?