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The Church of England is ditching cassocks – and even the Devil – as its drive to modernize gathers momentum.

Vicars will be allowed to conduct communion services in more casual clothing, including jeans, after the Church agreed this weekend to review existing rules on clerical vestments.

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The General Synod has also backed an alternative baptism service which leaves out mention of the Devil, in an attempt to appeal to people who have no religious background.

The Rt Rev Robert Paterson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, said the change was needed because many people now viewed Satan as nothing more than a “cartoon-like character.”

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But this has not pleased all of the faithful. Alison Ruoff, a senior member of the General Synod, said: “I want and beg you to bring back the Devil.”

The Synod, meeting in York, voted to begin the process of relaxing canon law to make traditional vestments optional for some formal services.