There are fears the issue of gay rights could finally split the Anglican Church during a major summit this week.

The Archbishops of New Zealand, Aotearoa and Polynesia are on their way to the week-long talks in the UK city of Canterbury.

Primates from 38 autonomous national and regional churches are attending the major summit of the global Anglican Communion.

The talks could be make-or-break for the future of the Anglican Communion, with division over the issue of gay rights.

There are fears leaders from some conservative African churches may walk out during the summit.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby wants the church to move beyond the issue.

"What I would ask people to pray for more than anything else is wisdom and love, the love of Christ will so overwhelm us that we are able to love each other as we should."

Dr Welby admits the meeting is likely to cover some contentious issues.

"We're going to be dealing with some very very difficult issues, within the life of the Anglican communion but also hugely difficult issues that are affecting the whole church of Christ and in fact our whole world."