US bishops may “repent” gay policy
American bishops will “repent” for creating turmoil in the Anglican Church by abandoning their constant pro gay support, according to leaks from a private meeting last week.
Reports suggest the American Anglican Church is ready to apologise for the consecration of gay bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire and may back an indefinite ban on gay marriages.
The Daily Telegraph claims several bishops who attended a meeting in North Carolina last week, have vowed to block the appointment of a second openly gay minister or call for “very considerable caution” if doing so.”
The new stance is allegedly revealed in an unofficial e-mail from the Bishop of Arizona, the Rt Rev Kirk Smith where he describes resolutions to be presented at the June meeting of the American Episcopal Church’s General Convention, its equivalent of the Church of England’s General Synod.
He told the Daily Telegraph of the desire “not to do anything that would further jeopardise our standing with the rest of the Communion.”
“I think one might say this represents a ‘go slow’ approach for our church. Without backing away from decisions we have made, it is nonetheless a clear message that we will work to conform to the requests of the majority of the Anglican Communion,” Mr Smith said.
The leadership of the American Anglican Church has previously refused to compromise their liberal ideals as a matter of justice, despite opposition from conservatives and appeals by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
Dr Williams warned that the Anglican communion faces a “rupture” following divisions over homosexuality last month.
