Gay Christian group denounces breakaway Anglicans

By Forum Mithani • July 1, 2008 - 15:39

Rev Kirker urged Christians to talk to one another

2 Comments on Gay Christian group denounces breakaway Anglicans

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) has strongly criticised the formation of an Anglican group hostile to homosexuality.

LGCM Chief Executive Rev Richard Kirker denounced the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FOCA), formed at the Global Anglican Future Conference in Jerusalem last week, as a "threat to all those who believe in an inclusive church".

More than 300 bishops gathered in Jerusalem to denounce the preaching of "false gospels" of homosexuality and other "immoral" sexual behaviour.

The group is made up largely of clergy from the developing world, but also has support from some traditionalist English, Australian and American Anglicans.

Rev Kirker told PinkNews.co.uk a split in the church was unwelcome and unnecessary.

"Christians should respect and show unity, despite their differences. The world has no need for more division. We should be a family; no-one can gain from such a split."

However, Rev Kirker did not believe the events in Jerusalem would have any long-lasting consequences for the church.

He also questioned the group's claim to have the support of 35 million Anglicans worldwide and said he doubted the movement would survive for long.

"What happened in Jerusalem was essentially a power struggle, but the fundamentalist Anglicans (behind the movement) will find their support waning,"
he said.

He placed the blame on "rich, right-wing Americans plotting to take over the Anglican Communion."

Rev Kirker urged Christians to talk to one another, but acknowledged there was no stopping those who were determined to go their own way.

"We've never asked these people to leave, however distasteful their views, but if the Nigerians, Kenyans and Ugandans are so unhappy, they are entitled to walk away."

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