With its bright blue sheen and turrets, it has all the look of a circus big top.

But this is the central discussion chamber for the Lambeth Conference, the decennial assembly of the worldwide Anglican communion which is taking place at Kent University.

The tent, which is even referred to as the Big Top, has been erected next to Rutherford College and is being guarded by the university’s security officials.

The 20-day conference for Anglican bishops is underway in Kent amid a storm of controversy over the ordination of homosexual priests and women bishops.

More than 600 archbishops and bishops from all over the world will attend the conference, chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, but with one notable exception.

The world's first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, has been banned from attending due to his homosexuality, although the American bishop still intends to participate in an unofficial meeting to be held outside the main conference room at the university.

The conference is already under the media spotlight as bishops appear divided over the recent vote allowing women to be consecrated as bishops.

In an introduction to the conference, Dr Williams says: "Our ministry takes place in the context of a needy and divided world, in which there is both deep fear and great suffering."

The conference has also angered local taxi drivers, who are being ousted from one of the city’s most lucrative taxi ranks to make room for the coaches carrying attendees to the conference. And campaign group Fathers4Justice says the event is a possible target for them.

Police say security measures are in place.

The Lambeth Conference is held every 10 years for Church leaders to join together in reflection, prayer, discussion and Bible study.