U.S. Episcopal bishops to back away from gay-inclusiveness

In the face of international pressure that has only grown since the consecration of gay bishop Gene Robinson in 2003, the Episcopal Church is expected to step back from its support of gays and lesbians. According to leaks from a private meeting of bishops in North Carolina last week as well as an e-mail circulated by the bishop of Arizona, the U.S. bishops are apparently planning to present resolutions at the Anglican Communion's General Convention in June banning the blessing of same-sex unions and repenting for the consecration of Robinson, reports London's Daily Telegraph.

The Episcopal bishops are also planning to block the consecration of a second gay bishop in California if the diocese there elects a lesbian or gay man in May. Of the seven candidates for the position, three are openly gay.

The efforts are aimed at preventing a schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch and which has been roiled by differences over the inclusion of gay and lesbian clergy and laypeople, with conservative branches in Africa and Asia—and some American parishes—threatening to bolt because of the issue. Archbishop Rowan Williams, the head of the Anglican Communion, has appealed to the U.S. branch to not move forward with full inclusion of gays, saying most recently that he didn't think the Communion could survive a split.

According to the e-mail from the Right Reverend Kirk Smith of Arizona, the bishops do "not want to do anything that would further jeopardize our standing with the rest of the Communion," adding, "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.''

However, the general secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement said he doubts the bishops' plans will meet with success at the General Convention. The Reverend Richard Kirker told the Daily Telegraph, "Not even the General Convention can stop the inevitable flow of history." (The Advocate)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Be the first to comment on this story.

If you would like to submit a comment for posting, please fill out the form above.

All comments submitted via this form are subject to posting or publication. (To send a private letter to an Advocate editor or writer, please use the e-mail button at the top of the page, or use snail mail.) If you would like your comment considered for publication in The Advocate magazine, please include your full name, your city of residence, and a phone number where you can be reached during business hours so that we can confirm your identity. Your e-mail address and telephone number are strictly confidential and will not be shared or used for any purpose other than to contact you about your comment.

See the Contact page for sending comments for reasons other than responding to Advocate editorial and news stories.

Please note that comments sent by fax or snail mail are unlikely to be posted, although they will be considered for publication along with all letters received via e-mail or via this Web page. Comments that chiefly concern Advocate.com content will be considered for posting only on the Web site. The Advocate reserves the right to edit submitted comments for grammar, spelling, obscenities, or libel; we will, however, do our best to preserve the original comment's style and intent. Comments considered for publication in The Advocate magazine may also be edited for length.

More Exclusives

View From the Hill: The End of DADT?
Defense Secretary Robert Gates revealed that lawyers are exploring ways to ease enforcement of the military's gay ban, but cautioned that the law doesn't leave much wiggle room. He need look no further than DOD history for a lesson in altering the policy.

Hot Sheet: Week of July 5
When you get back from that big 4th of July barbecue, unwind with Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno and your favorite B-movie-mocking, basic cable robots.

Hungry Like the Wolf
A master of viola, ukulele, piano, and harp, Patrick Wolf is a music prodigy -- one who, the night before this interview, spit on a cop and got himself arrested.

Soapside: Advocate's Guide to Daytime
Forbes March talks about playing gay, Otalia fans outraged, update on One Life to Live’s Patricia Maurceri’s firing over gay plot point, Phillip Chancellor III big reveal, and Erica Kane goes to Africa.

The Faces of Federal Prop. 8
With the federal challenge to Prop. 8 moving full speed ahead, Advocate.com sits down with the two couples named as plaintiffs in the suit.

Mommy, the Gays Are Coming
After a year of advancements and celebration for gay and lesbian Colombians, the community takes to the streets of Bogota for the country's biggest pride ever.

The Pride of Antwerp
Advocate.com hits the gay-friendly streets of Antwerp with openly gay police commissioner Serge Muyters.

Excerpt: Mean Little Deaf Queer
In an excerpt from her humorous and harrowing new memoir, Mean Little Deaf Queer, Terry Galloway recalls her early childhood, describing feelings of ugliness, confusion about gender, and being one of the boys.

Top Political Blogs
From Joe.My.God to The Daily Beast, Advocate.com spotlights a few of the best blogs that cover politics, inside and way outside the Beltway.

The Diva of French Television
A hot young screenwriter who has made gay OK for millions of French viewers, Nicolas Mercier sips champagne, dons a feathered hat, and says he wants to see Colin Farrell and Jude Law go at it.