Anglican Communion

Mr Welby has undoubtedly seen it as a big part of his job to hold together very different factions within the Church of England and, even more difficult, in the wider global Church, the Anglican Communion of 85 million people.

Members will include representatives from around the global Anglican Communion, the General Synod, as well as at least one bishop.

It is my duty to honour my constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

There has since been vocal opposition from conservatives within the Church and it is an issue that has already led to breakaway splits in the wider Anglican Communion, particularly in Africa.

Welby is the spiritual leader of both the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion of which it is a member.