The Church must be an example of reconciliation to the rest of society, says the Bishop of Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

The Right Reverend Nigel Stock said he had been impressed by the new Archbishop of Canterbury's own priority on reconciliation within the Church and the nation.

Bishop Stock said: "The Church can influence society and make a real difference, but we do need to be a model of living together and reconciliation ourselves not least over the issue of women becoming bishops and over the differing views on issues of human sexuality."

Part of leading by example, he said, meant taking care of the least well off in society. He praised the church-run Ipswich Winter Night Shelter which has provided shelter and hospitality for 12 homeless people through the winter.

The project was run with the help of more than 400 volunteers and was able to continue providing the service despite the wintry conditions when the Red Cross offered its Land Rover to ferry volunteers.

Bishop Stock said: "This project continues to rely on the hard work and dedication of many people whose willingness to help is an inspiration for the whole of Ipswich.

"It has been a wonderful effort and it has been sorely needed in the very cold spells of this winter. I would like to again express my admiration for all involved."