Anglican Leaders Snub International Conference Over US Episcopal Stance on Gay and Women Clergy

At least 15 church leaders (known as primates) have snubbed the international Anglican Communication because of the U.S. Episcopalian church's stance on clergy.

According to the conservative Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD), at least seven have specifically cited the continued participation of the U.S. Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as reason for skipping the meeting. The IRD also claims,

"Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has been embarrassed by so many Anglican leaders shunning yet another pre-fabricated 'conversation' with the Episcopal Church.

"After snubbing repeated requests from Anglican leaders not to bless same-sex unions or consecrate openly partnered homosexual bishops, Episcopal Church leaders have effectively cut themselves off from the majority of Anglicans worldwide.

"The Anglican sex battles that have captured media attention are the consequence of a much deeper rift between two competing gospels: one found in historic Christianity, the second a modern innovation proclaiming indiscriminate affirmation.

"This strife within the third largest family of Christian churches worldwide will not conclude in decisive schism. Instead, liberal and conservative Anglicans will continue to realize a de-facto separation over time. The Dublin primate's meeting exemplifies this evolving separation."

D. Beeksma

One of the growing crowd of American "nones" herself, Deborah is a prolific writer who finds religion, spirituality and the impact of belief (and non-belief) on culture inspiring, fascinating and at times, disturbing. She hosts the God Discussion show and handles the site's technical work. Her education and background is in business, ecommerce and law.

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