A Church of England report has stated that traditional vows taken in wedding ceremonies, in which the bride promises to "obey" her husband, could be used by some men to justify domestic violence.

The report has been released by the Church of England and is backed by its spiritual head, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams. It accused the Church of failing to develop itself in many "points" which could be used to prevent abuse.

Traditional theological ideals that promote the man as being the head of the family have been deeply embedded into the wedding ceremony, and concerns have now come out that these could be misinterpreted by some. In particular, the report highlighted that the teaching of a wife submitting herself to her husband could be construed in an extreme and physical way.

The origin of the wedding vows used in Anglican services can be traced back to the Book of Common Prayer, as authorised by King Henry VIII.