The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England has published a response to the new sexual orientation regulations proposed by the Department of Trade and Industry urging the government to “strike a careful balance”.

The proposals would make it illegal for religious newspapers to turn down advertisements from homosexual pressure groups or for Christians who run bed-and-breakfast accommodations to decline same-sex couples as guests.

The Archbishops’ Council said in its response Friday that the new regulations were “an important part” of the process that the Church has played a key role in combating all prejudice and homophobic violence.

It went on to point out, however, that the new regulations, unless carefully drafted, could cut across the right of churches and other faith communities and their members “to manifest their own doctrines and convictions in this area without fear of legal sanction.