The long-awaited global conference of the Anglican Communion closed with calls to unity but theologically conservative bishops say the church cannot have “two or three doctrines”.

The major gathering of Anglican bishops was going to take place this summer, in the midst of theological tensions. “The health and safety of our attendees is our utmost priority”, the organisers said.

The group representing global conservative Anglicans will not attend the once in a decade conference organised by the Archbishop of Canterbury to protest the liberal shift of pro-LGBT bishops.

In a conference, the global Anglican movement supported “brothers and sisters living in restricted situations seeking to remain faithful to Christ”.