The Church of England's 'parliament' is being asked to lay down how far Christians can go in converting people of other faiths.

Bringing non-believers to the religion has long been one of the chief duties of Christians.

But persuading people of other faiths to switch has generally been seen to be more controversial.

Now, however, a proposal before the Synod claims that a failure to evangelize among non-Christian faiths would be discriminatory.

Significant

The issue was raised by a Birmingham vicar whose city has a large Muslim population.

He wants the church to reaffirm its stance on the issue - and on Saturday it will be on the table at the Synod meeting at the University of York.

The Synod could also make further significant moves towards unity with the Methodist Church.

BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott explains that the two already share services, buildings and community projects on a local level.

Campaign

"It is thought this could provide a blueprint for national unity," he said.

On Friday, the Synod discussed clarifying the rules on church weddings for the divorced, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the possibility of removing the monarch and prime minister from the process of appointing diocesan bishops.

It will also be asked to consent to a campaign by clergy to allow them to hold services wearing ordinary clothes.

The Synod meets several times a year to discuss Church business and strategy.