Does the Church of England regard itself as responsible for the behaviour of the general populace?

Today, the Church of England has released an apology for a statement they made. In response to people now entering into civil partnerships, rather than traditional marriage, the C of E made a statement suggesting such partnerships should be 'abstinent friendships' or, in other words, platonic relationships. They are now 'back-tracking' on that previous statement. My question is not about that issue, itself. My question is about whether the Church of England regards itself as a regulatory authority over the entire populace. Or are its directions only made to persons within the Body of Christ, that is to say, those who show repentance and faith and who are followers of Jesus Christ in doctrine and in conduct ?