The disagreements are a sign of the splits within the Anglican communion worldwide that have become more visible since the election of an openly gay man as bishop of New Hampshire last year.

The bishops had not intended that the issue of homosexuality would be raised at the Synod but several delegates were provoked into speaking when Dr Joan Turner of the Church's marriage council pleaded for a re-consideration of the Church's traditional teaching on homosexuality.

In an official presentation, she urged delegates to "reconsider our understanding of the concept of personality, including sexuality".

She said "this will involve careful re-analysis of what we mean by homosexuality while adhering to the Christian ideal of marriage as a life-long commitment of one man with one woman."

However, Dermot O'Callaghan, a delegate from the diocese of Down and Dromore, said that she had "undervalued marriage" by describing it as an ideal, "as though it is unattainable" and he was "concerned that the concept of showing generosity towards homosexual practice will weaken marriage".

Mr O'Callaghan was backed by Stephen Crowder of Clogher diocese, who said that "just because someone has a genetic disposition to violence does not make it right. Nor does it make sexual conduct of various kinds right."

However, Dean Michael Burrows of Cork diocese said he did not want the public to think "that the Synod is attentive only to the side represented by Mr O'Callaghan".

END