Breaking News: Anglicans threaten rift with government over mixed fibres

Human rights activists and clothes manufacturers geared up for a huge increase in demand this week as government ministers look set to push through the legalization of clothing made from mixed fibres, despite mounting opposition from within the Conservative party and the threat of a split with the Church of England.

Are the foundations of our society under threat?

While a poll by a leading fibre-mixing rights group PolyCotton showed that four out of five people under 50 support the move, Anglican bishops were quick to issue a condemnatory statement. The church’s submission to the debate declared that “it must be very doubtful whether limiting the wearing of mixed fibres to non-religious people could withstand a challenge under the European Convention on Human Rights”.

In a 7000-page document, the church warned that canon law only permitted clothing made out of a single type of fibre, and that the government’s proposals would alter the intrinsic nature of material and its use throughout human history, damaging the very foundations of society. The church’s established role as purveyor of religious clothing would be threatened.

One Guardian writer, who also happens to be an Anglican priest, was outraged, accusing the church hierarchy of “scaremongering”. While he admitted that he did not himself wish to wear mixed fibres, he “defended to his last breath” the rights of people who wished to wear such clothing. “Not in my name”, he fumed, stating that as he could no longer call himself an “Anglican” he would have to call himself a “journalist”.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “The purpose of this consultation is to enable us to listen to all views, including all religious beliefs and fashion sensibilities.

“Clothing is what makes this country great. We have been clear that we will not make the bishops dress up in anything other than pure silk.”