Anglicans to discuss crisis over gay clergy

The leaders of the Anglican Communion around the world are meeting in Northern Ireland this week to discuss the crisis surrounding homosexuality in the church and the appointment of an openly gay bishop in the United States.

Many Anglicans, particularly in the developing world, were so opposed to the appointment of Gene Robinson, that it raised fears of a major split in the church.

The 38 primates from around the globe are meeting from Monday to Friday outside the Co Down border city of Newry to give detailed consideration to the Windsor Report which was published by the Lambeth Commission last October following consideration of the crisis.

The Commission was set up by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to examine and report on problems over homosexual relationships in both the US and Canada.

They were the Episcopal Church in the USA’s appointment of Gene Robinson, who is openly in a committed same sex relationship, as one of its bishops and the Diocese of New Westminster in Canada’s authorisation of services for same-sex marriages.

In the UK the debate over homosexuality raged following the nomination of Dr Jeffrey John, a gay but celibate clergyman, as Bishop of Reading.

The decision sparked huge controversy and led to Dr John withdrawing his acceptance of the post and becoming the Dean of St Albans instead.

The Windsor Report warned that a split within the church would occur if steps of reconciliation were not made.

It warned: “There remains a very real danger that we will not choose to walk together.

“Should the call to halt and find ways of continuing in our present communion not be heeded, then we shall have to begin to learn to walk apart.”

Among proposals in the report was a demand for the bishops involved in the ordination of Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire to apologise for causing “deep offence” among the Anglican community.

It suggested that the same bishops should also consider whether they should withdraw from representative roles within the Anglican Communion.

Fifty American bishops attended Bishop Robinson’s consecration causing outrage among the traditional sections of the church.

This week’s Northern Ireland gathering is being hosted by Archbishop Robin Eames, primate of the Church of Ireland.

As Chairman of the Lambeth Commission, Lord Eames headed the team which produced the Windsor Report.

The meetings are closed to the press and public, only at the end of the five day session will they issue a communiqué on their deliberations.

The Church of England synod met last Thursday and recommended the church express its regret over the consecration of Bishop Robinson in the US.

Archbishop Rowan Williams said the appointment of Bishop Robinson in 2003 had “weakened if not destroyed… talking the same language in the Anglican Communion.”

He warned “There will be no cost-free outcome from this.”