In an effort to "force same-sex marriage" into the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, has spoken of being "threatened with parliamentary action.".
He was speaking in Ghana at the Anglican Consultative Council international gathering.
It follows church reforms that approved the blessing of same-sex couples entering civil partnerships.
This month's General Synod, the church's legislative body, approved a motion that led to the change.
The church's stance on gay marriage won't change, and same-sex unions are still not permitted in churches.
According to The Telegraph, Mr. Welby resisted further changes to the House of Commons' policy on same-sex marriage during a meeting with MPs last month.
A meeting with the archbishop last month was "very disappointing," broadcaster Sandi Toksvig said in a statement prior to the changes.
Ms. Toksvig is a well-known advocate for LGBT rights and, despite not being a member of the church, she told the BBC that she spoke out because she believed the bishops' message had a significant impact outside of the Church.
Although many progressives had hoped for, the changes in the church have been unpopular with some conservatives.
In his Sunday presidential address, Mr. Welby claimed that "many" General Synod members had "dismissed" his objections to recent reforms.
In Accra, Ghana's capital, he informed those present that "rules about sexuality in the Church of England" have been put on the table for discussion as a "result" of rising atheism in the UK.
According to the archbishop, Christian values of "community and mutual responsibility" have "almost been eliminated" in favor of "individualism" in the northern hemisphere.
Justin Welby's remarks in Ghana serve as an example of the diversity of viewpoints he is attempting to hold together.
He was speaking to a group of Anglicans from different nations, some of whom came from nations where homosexuality is illegal.
Currently, a comprehensive new anti-LGBT bill is being discussed in Ghana's own parliament. The decision made by the Church of England last week to permit prayers of blessing for same-sex couples conflicts with how many people at the meeting in Accra interpret the Bible.
However, the Church of England's refusal to permit gay couples to get married in church is seen by many in the West as oppressive and out of step with the majority of society.
Both of those positions are being maintained by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
When it comes to whether he is actually "threatened with parliamentary action," it is true that MPs have had conversations about potential ways to persuade the Church to permit same-sex unions.
But as of now, there is no indication that the government would back such a move and the ensuing conflict with the Church of England.
He warned the crowd that an increasing number of atheists—who he refers to as "nones"—posed a "danger.".
I don't mean NUNS, he clarified. I'm talking about people who respond with "None" when questioned about their religious beliefs. I'm not religious," he declared.
"The result is obvious. I have recently discussed the interdependence of all Christians, not just Anglicans, especially those in the global south with other faith majorities, during our discussions of sexuality and the laws governing sexuality in the Church of England.
"As a result, I received two summonses to Parliament and was threatened with parliamentary action to compel us to enter into same-sex marriages, or what is known as equal marriage in England.
"When I discuss the effects that the Church of England's decisions will have on Anglicans around the world, many in the General Synod—not all—dismiss my concerns. ".
Assisted suicide and movements toward greater bodily autonomy were also criticized by the archbishop, who claimed that "we've replaced morality and Christian faith with personal control over our bodies.".
"Compared to where we were 30 years ago, we now live in a world that is significantly wealthier. ".
He asserted that "the birth of genetically engineered babies is not far away.".
"And a lot of people think that we should be able to choose how and when to die. ".
The Archbishop of Canterbury, a prominent member of the House of Lords, has presided over discussions in the assembly.
In his speech, Mr. Welby made mention of George Carey, a former archbishop of Canterbury, who had been advocating for assisted suicide in Westminster.
He claimed that his predecessor had "strongly advocated assisted suicide in the Houses of Parliament, specifically in the House of Lords.".
Additionally, he mentioned a morality that was being developed for "the wealthy, the powerful, and the intellectually well-educated".
It is a morality that rejects the sinfulness and failure of human beings.
"It doesn't believe in hope, it doesn't believe in forgiving.
"The Church struggles in this area.
. "
