Anglicans in the US plan to go ahead with the consecration of an openly gay bishop in defiance of a warning that it could “tear the fabric” of the Church and jeopardise its continued union.

The clergyman seeking to become the first openly gay bishop in America’s Anglican Church was “surprised and dismayed” by eleventh-hour allegations questioning his reputation, a spokesman said today.

US Episcopal leaders delayed a vote on whether to confirm the church’s first openly gay elected bishop after allegations emerged that he inappropriately touched a man and posted a pornography link on a youth website, a church spokesman said.

US Episcopal leaders delayed a vote tonight on whether to confirm the church’s first openly gay elected bishop after allegations emerged that he inappropriately touched a man and posted a pornography link on a youth website, a church spokesman said.