Anglican Communion

He said setting up the alternative church was an "action born out of hurt, vulnerability, and a crisis of faith in his future in the Anglican Communion".

Historically, candidates already hold senior leadership positions in ministry in the Church or elsewhere in the Anglican Communion.

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.