Two former Bishops of Oxford are among those who have penned a letter criticising the Church of England for not listening to the voices of gay Christians.

Fourteen retired bishops - including Rt Reverend Lord Harries and Rt Reverend John Pritchard penned the open letter ahead of a debate at the general Synod on Wednesday where same-sex marriage will be discussed.

The bishops responded to the Church's official report on sexuality, which was produced last month after three years of "shared conversations" with the LGBT community and other Christians. 

It concluded that the Church should remain opposed to same-sex marriage but adopt a "fresh tone and culture of welcome and support".

The retired bishops' letter - directed at serving bishops ahead of the debate - said: "Our perception is that while the pain of LGBT people is spoken about in your report, we do not hear its authentic voice.

It added: "The result of that focus on the issue of a change in the law is that your call for change of tone and culture, while absolutely right, does not carry conviction.

"Indeed, from the perhaps luxurious perspective of retirement the tone and culture of your document are incredibly familiar – we’ve been there and talked in that tone of voice, and it prevents calls for a change of culture, of course offered in complete sincerity by you, from ringing true."

On Wednesday bishops will not be asked to make a decision on the Church's stance but the issue will be debated at length.