British Anglicans pressure Episcopalians to ban gay bishops

http://washingtonblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=7563

Top British Anglican leaders are bringing new pressure on the Episcopal General Convention to enact a ban on electing gay bishops before the assembly ends next week

Bishop N.T. Wright of Durham, England, told Episcopal delegates in the U.S. that banning gay bishops is 'the least that can be done' to restore unity in the Anglican Communion.
If the legislative body fails to endorse a moratorium, the overseas bishops fear the divide in the global Anglican Communion over homosexuality will escalate to a full-blown schism.

Church of England Bishop N.T. Wright of Durham said in a statement being widely circulated at the meeting that prohibiting gay bishops — for now, anyway — is "the least that can be done that will restore the unity that has already been lost."

The crisis erupted in 2003, when the Episcopalians consecrated New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who lives with his longtime male partner. The move shocked conservative Anglicans around the world, who believe gay sex violates scripture.


God called Bishop Robinson and if these bigots can't accept it, then I don't want them in my church

I thought the British were much more sophisticated about this sort of thing...at least that is what I have read on DU. The Europeans in general are more open and diverse. What gives?

to me, it's like a couple staying together for the sake of their kids

in the long run, everyone gets hurt

Even at the expense of gay rights. However, if there IS a split, the British church would probably also accept gay bishops.

There are many of both sides of this issue - there would probably be some face-saving solution found though.

In terms of the other British provinces - the Scots have already declared in favour of gays (though none has been elected), I don't know enough about Ireland or Wales.

Rowan of Canterbury is definitely open and wouldn't personally have a problem with gay Bishops.

John of York and Tom of Durham are both Evangelical - though one would note that they are still a million miles removed from Robertson and his ilk.

One could add several other senior Bishops who wouldn't bat an eye-lid over gay Bishops - but they've all been told to keep quiet. This is all about preserving 'unity' (as others have said).

It's the bishops and archbishops in the developing countries.

in the name of unity

I'll stay and fight and I know that the vast majority of my parish and my diocese will stay and fight as well

...of this anytime soon. The new Presiding Bishop is an outspoken proponent of full inclusion of GLBT Christians in the life of the church. She supports the blessing of same-sex unions and voted for the consecration of +Gene Robinson. She's also a strong proponent of economic justice. More details at:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2344588&mesg_id=2344588

and

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2345863

I am so proud to be an Episcopalian today.

That has a lovely ring, doesn't it? :loveya:

It's like their own national Fox news, paid for by taxpayers. If they aren't covering a 10 year old African fundamentalist preacher, they're doing a full day of "focus on religion." Or a tribute to some corporate fat cat. When they interview Bishop Robinson it's as if they're talking to a convicted crook or a terrorist. So it's no surprise that the masses of Britain's sheep are all convinced gay bishops are the world's number once concern, nevermind famine, war, poverty and racism, they just want to make sure the gays know their place: not welcome.