May 9, 2007 / 10:27 am
Nigerian Primate Peter Akinola rejected requests from both Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and proceeded with the May 5 installation of a leader for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), reported Episcopal News Service.
Archbishop Williams and Bishop Jefferts Schori had sent separate letters urging Akinola to reconsider his decision to install Bishop Martyn Minns.
Bishop Jefferts Schori had said the installation "would display to the world division and disunity that are not part of the mind of Christ" and would "not help the efforts of reconciliation."
Archbishop Akinola responded to Bishop Jefferts Schori's letter, saying that CANA provides "a safe place for those who wish to remain faithful Anglicans but can no longer do so within The Episcopal Church."