The  Synod, which rules on all matters for the Church of England, has voted on giving pension rights to the civil partners of deceased clergy. This would mean that men in civil partnerships with members of the clergy now have the same rights as heterosexual widows or widowers.

The Church allows gay clergy provided that they do not engage in sexual relations.

The Reverend Mark Bratton said in the synod that the rules as they stood were unfair, particularly as civil  partners often offer valuable support when it comes to parish duties.

Reverend Bratton said:
"The benefit to the reputation of the Church of remedying this injustice will be great, and I believe, inversely proportional to the small cost."