Michael Geer, president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, said the new provisions could open clergy to the possibility of prosecution for preaching on God's views of homosexuality.

"The threat is very real and something that needs to be addressed," Geer said. "The pulpit should be definitely a free-speech zone in the United States of America and in Pennsylvania."

In a strongly worded letter, written on behalf of all Church of England bishops and seen by The Times, they say: “It is clear that the apparent breach of international law in relation to the treatment of Iraqi detainees has been deeply damaging.

“The appearance of double standards inevitably diminishes the credibility of Western governments with the people of Iraq and of the Islamic world more generally.

“I would invite you to seek out alternative worship space for those whom you lead,” Ingham said in his letters dated June 23.

“He’s invoking Canon 15 on us,” said Mayo of Christ the Redeemer
Anglican Church in Pender Harbour, on the Sunshine Coast. “It’s a
diocesan regulation that allows a bishop to take over a parish if, in
his own opinion, it’s not running properly.”

Since then, many members of the Church of the Redeemer threatened to leave the congregation unless Robinson relinquished authority over the church in Rochester, about 30 miles east of Concord. Thirty-six members voted this week to leave. Just three voted to stay.

In response, nearby Grace Baptist Church invited Episcopalians fleeing from Redeemer to attend a joint service.