Church of England allows some divorcees to marry

The Church of England's General Synod has voted in favour of allowing divorcees to marry in church, but only under "exceptional circumstances".

Bishops warned that the decision would not open the flood gates. Infidelity leading to marriage breakdown and the possibility of a "hostile public reaction and scandal" are factors that would count against a church ceremony.

The decision may pave the way for the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles, but a church spokesman refused to comment on the Prince's case and the synod did not discuss the possibility of a royal marriage.