C of E bishops’ compromise on same-sex marriage will not settle painful divisions

Archbishop of Canterbury acknowledges the proposals are likely to displease both conservatives and progressives

The Church of England bishops’ proposals on same-sex marriage are intended to settle 40 years of painful divisions and often bitter argument.

But the compromise – rejecting same-sex marriage in church while backing clergy blessings of civil same-sex marriage – means the rift between theological conservatives and pro-equality progressives is likely to continue.