<P> Regarding transgender issues, the 2017 General Synod voted in favour of a motion saying that transgender people should be "welcomed and affirmed in their parish church ..." The motion also asked the Bishops "to look into special services for transgender people ." The Diocese of Blackburn had already begun using a ceremony . The House of Bishops declined to create a new liturgy, but advised that clergy adapt the service for an affirmation of baptism to mark a gender transition . "The House notes that the Affirmation of Baptismal Faith, found in Common Worship, is an ideal liturgical rite which trans people can use to mark this moment of personal renewal ." The church has ordained openly transgender clergy since 2005 . Since 2000, the church has allowed priests to undergo gender transition and remain in office . </P> <P> Just as the Church of England has a large conservative or "traditionalist" wing, it also has many liberal members and clergy . Approximately one third of clergy "doubt or disbelieve in the physical resurrection". Others, such as the Revd Giles Fraser, a contributor to The Guardian, have argued for an allegorical interpretation of the virgin birth of Jesus . The Independent reported in 2014 that, according to a YouGov survey of Church of England clergy, "as many as 16 per cent are unclear about God and two per cent think it is no more than a human construct ." Moreover, many congregations are seeker - friendly environments . For example, one report from the Church Mission Society suggested that the church open up "a pagan church where Christianity (is) very much in the centre" to reach out to spiritual people . </P> <P> The Church of England is generally opposed to abortion but recognises that "there can be - strictly limited - conditions under which it may be morally preferable to any available alternative". The church also opposes euthanasia . Its official stance is that "While acknowledging the complexity of the issues involved in assisted dying / suicide and voluntary euthanasia, the Church of England is opposed to any change in the law or in medical practice that would make assisted dying / suicide or voluntary euthanasia permissible in law or acceptable in practice ." It also states that "Equally, the Church shares the desire to alleviate physical and psychological suffering, but believes that assisted dying / suicide and voluntary euthanasia are not acceptable means of achieving these laudable goals ." However, George Carey, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, announced that he had changed his stance on euthanasia in 2014 and now advocated legalising "assisted dying". On embryonic stem - cell research, the church has announced "cautious acceptance to the proposal to produce cytoplasmic hybrid embryos for research". </P> <P> The Church of England set up the Church Urban Fund in the 1980s to tackle poverty and deprivation . They see poverty as trapping individuals and communities with some people in urgent need . This leads to dependency, homelessness, hunger, isolation, low income, mental health problems, social exclusion and violence . They feel that poverty reduces confidence and life expectancy and that people born in poor conditions have difficulty escaping their disadvantaged circumstances . </P>

Difference between the anglican church and the church of england