Anglican Church Backs Gay Bishop

As was widely expected, the Episcopal Church, the American branch of the Anglican Church, approved the election of a gay bishop. This decision was made by the Committee for the Consecration of Bishops of the American Anglican Church - it still remains for a lower body to approve as well. If that happens, Gene Robinson will become the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church - possibly provoking a world-wide crisis.

According to the BBC:

The Bishop of Pittsburgh said the election was sweepingly unconstitutional, while others said it was against scripture, tradition and reason and would make American members of the worldwide Anglican church mavericks. However the Bishop of Arkansas said the Anglican Church - which is also known as the Episcopal church - must remain a voice of tolerance.

Our correspondent says opinion within the Church over homosexuality is as deep as it is wide, with conservative bishops from Australia to Nigeria throwing their weight behind what they see as a struggle for the scriptural integrity of the Church. Many regard homosexuality as a sin; others merely wish to stick to Anglican guidelines that say gay clergy must be celibate.

No one is sure exactly what will happen, but a schism is a very likely possibility, with conservative dioceses around the world breaking away from the Anglican Communion in order to form their own church organization. That, in turn, will result in a nasty struggle over assets and property.

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