Sandi Toksvig met the Archbishop of Canterbury

I suspect that the majority of votes against the acceptance of gay relationships come from the African congregation, although I could be wrong.

Most of the worlds deity religions reject gay relationship.

The C of E is a lumbering dinosaur - a very rich one.

For many groups the point is that the group defines its terms, or rules of engagement. So if you want, for instance, to restrict membership to people who live locally, or who have a high IQ, or who can speak Italian that’s ok. MENSA, the Hometown Garden Society and the Advanced Italian Conversation Group can only exist under those circumstances. As Galaxy says, it is a clash of rights.

I think it is wrong of the C of E to refuse to marry gay people, but if all religions had to behave in the same way they would cease to exist. I suspect that Justin Welby would personally like to be able to marry gay couples too, but I understand why he can’t order his priests to do so.

It will come in time, I think, and great strides have been made over the past 20 years. Cold comfort to those who want to consecrate their love now, of course, but unfortunately for them, a group who exists because of a belief system can’t be forced to alter those beliefs or they would no longer be the group they were.

Most religions must see that their popularity is in huge decline, at least north of the equator

My worry would be if they do not accept marginalised groups, they will become one

It might be all sorts of things but it's not illegal, using the law in relation to beliefs or thoughts is not something I would be keen on, mostly because it always impacts adversely on minority groups. I think there is more of an argument about marriage in that it is a service if you like, so in a way similar to refusing to sell someone apples because of their protected characteristic. However the exemption for the church re gay marriage was as far as I remember was written into law when gay marriage was introduced so you would have to change the law. Am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong

Well, technically different demographic have different rights in certain areas but that's to ensure different needs are met

Surely this is a violation of a basic human right if it prevents someone practising their belief or marrying under it or having support from their own family?

I personally think its absolutely awful and ridiculous but that doesnt mean it's against the law.

As far as I am aware it's not illegal to say I dont believe in gay marriage because of my religion, because religion is also a protected characteristic. It's one of those clashes of rights which are so tricky.

I dont think it is discriminatory under the law.

Yes I agree, it's very possible to ensure organisations do not discriminate

To tell a whole demographic they are sinners for something is simple as who they love is discriminatory

Should churches be allowed to operate outside the law?

I think you cant stop people believing what they want to believe, there is no way to enforce that which hasnt led to absolute horror. However I think it's perfectly possible to ensure organisations dont discriminate in the services they offer.

I think I'd be demanding change and if none were forthcoming, I'd change church

Gay people cannot change who they are

Well done Sandi Toskvig!
It seems to me that all of the organised religions continue to treat people who are lgtbqa unequally. But I write as an non-religious person so could be wrong.

I would have thought there are members of the Anglican church who don't say that as Christians?

It's quite big isn't it?

They must have gay family members and I can't believe that many would tell their own children who they are is a sin

Welby said that?! I’m stunned