Nigerian
archbishop Peter Akinola, a leader of Bible traditionalists
in the Anglican world, says the ''the moment of
decision is almost upon us'' about whether Anglican
conservatives and liberals can stay together.
In a statement
Monday, Akinola said that theological conservatives cannot
stand by as the U.S. Episcopal Church--the Anglican
body in the United States--and the Anglican
Church of Canada move toward full acceptance of gay
relationships.
''We earnestly
desire the healing of our beloved communion but not at the
cost of rewriting the Bible to accommodate the latest
cultural trend,'' Akinola said. ''We cannot turn away
from the source of life and love for a temporary
truce.''
Conservatives
believe the Bible bans same-sex relationships. Liberals
believe that the overarching message of Scripture is full
acceptance for all people.
In 2003,
Episcopalians consecrated their first openly gay bishop, V.
Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. In Canada the diocese
of New Westminster approved blessing ceremonies in
2002 for same-gender partners. And in June of this
year the Canadian church passed a resolution stating that
the ceremonies do ''not conflict with the doctrine'' of the
church. Canon lawyers are trying to determine whether
that measure, in fact, gives approval for the
ceremonies churchwide.
The U.S. church
has apologized repeatedly for not fully consulting with
other Anglicans before consecrating Robinson but has not
apologized for electing him.
The communion's
spiritual leader, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan
Williams, is scheduled to meet with the Episcopal House of
Bishops in New Orleans next month.
At that
gathering, the U.S. bishops must respond to demands from
Anglican leaders that they unequivocally pledge by
September 30 not to consecrate another openly gay
bishop or risk losing their full membership in the
communion. (AP)
Read this Advocate Exclusive for more on
Archbishop Akinola and his policies concerning
gays and lesbians.
