Nov 3, 2003 / 22:00 pm
The consecration of the first openly gay bishop in the United States, sanctioned by the Episcopal Church U.S.A., has created a rift among the 70-million member Anglican communion.
Gene V. Robinson’s consecration as bishop of New Hampshire yesterday has generated a reaction from Anglican bishops around the world, many of whom have said they will not recognize Robinson as bishop.
Citing church resolutions stating that homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture, some bishops are calling on Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to create a new structure that will allow churches to remain in communion but separate from the American Episcopalian church.
"As far as I am concerned, he (Robinson) is not a bishop," Sydney Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen told Reuters yesterday, calling it a very sad day for the church."