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Anglican views of homosexuality
The issue of homosexuality remains a controversy in the Anglican Communion. As of 1998 the majority of the Anglican Communion, in particular those outside the Western world maintained the traditional view that homosexuality is a sin. In 1998, the thirteenth Lambeth Conference decided that ordaining openly gay clergy was "incompatible with Scripture" by a vote of 526-70, though recent changes in Church policies have cast doubt on whether this remains an accurate indicator as of 2005. This more conservative view is also held by traditionalist minorities who have separated from their provinces' Anglican Church due to a number of reasons including homosexuality, such as the continuing churches. However the majority of bishops in the United States, Canada, England, South Africa, and other Western provinces of the communion, have argued extensively in that homosexuality is not a sin. Most bishops support ordaining gay clergy within their dioceses. The current Archbishop of Canterbury has stated his personal view that the Bible never spoke of loving committed same-sex relationships, only that of gay sex experienced by heterosexuals for pleasure, and that therefore the question is open. However he has been clear that his personal judgement does not determine the position of the Anglican Communion. In 2002, the Diocese of New Westminster in British Columbia (which includes Greater Vancouver) began allowing its churches to bless same-sex unions in marriage-like ceremonies. In response, bishops from provinces that regard homosexuality a sin, representing more than one-third of total members worldwide, cut their relations with the diocese. These actions of impaired relations caused concern with the Anglican Communion over Church funds since many non-Western Churches receive substantial contributions from Churches located in richer Western countries that have now had relations cut.
Gay bishop controversyOn August 2003 the Episcopal Church elected an openly gay priest, Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. This came shortly after a similar controversy in the UK, when the gay Canon Jeffrey John was almost consecrated Bishop of Reading. However, at that time John agreed to withdraw in order to avoid division. Although later in 2004 in the aftermath of the Gene Robinson, Jeffrey John was then installed as Dean of St Albans Cathedral, the site of England's first Christian martyr. A number of Anglican provinces, including the second-largest in membership (but largest in church attendance), the Church of Nigeria, threatened to leave the communion if a non-celibate gay man were allowed to be consecrated a bishop. In addition, a minority of priests and congregations within the Episcopal Church were also considering leaving the communion as result. The 2003 Lambeth Palace meetingAs a result of the controversy over the ordination of gay bishops and the blessing of same-sex unions, on October 15, 2003, Anglican leaders from around the world met in Lambeth Palace in an attempt to avoid a schism on the issue. The day after, they released a lengthy statement: [1]
2004 Church LetterIn 2004 the Archbishop of Canterbury condemned comments by Bishops outside the Western world for inciting violence against gay men and women.
Subsequent DivisionBishops from two Anglican provinces, Rwanda and the Province of Southeast Asia, consecrated missionary bishops for the United States in January, 2000 and formally established the Anglican Mission in America later that year (see Continuing Anglican Movement). Bishops in Uganda cut relations with the Diocese of New Hampshire following Robinson's consecration on November 2, 2003. The Church of Nigeria declared itself in "impaired communion" with the Episcopal Church on November 21, 2003, and nine days later announced it was planning to establish a United States branch of its province to support Nigerian Anglicans living in the U.S. The Province of Southeast Asia broke communion with the Episcopal Church on December 2, 2003, citing Robinson's consecration as the reason for its action. Windsor Report and 2005 Primates MeetingIn 2004, the Lambeth Commission on Communion issued a report on the issue of homosexuality in the Anglican Communion, which became known as the Windsor Report. This report took a strong stand against homosexual practice, recommended a moratorium on further consecrations of actively homosexual bishops and blessings of same-sex unions, and called for all involved in Robinson's consecration to withdraw from representative positions in the Anglican Communion. However, it stopped short of recommending discipline against the Episcopal Church or Anglican Church of Canada. In February 2005, the Primates of the Anglican Communion held a regular meeting in Northern Ireland at which the issue of homosexuality was heavily discussed. Of the 38 Primates, 35 attended. Underscoring the divisions within Anglicanism, 14 of the 35 Primates present refused to take Communion with the group because of their provinces' decisions to partially or completely break communion with the US and Canadian churches. The Primates issued a communiqué that reiterated most of the Winsdor Report's statements, but added a new twist. The Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada were asked to voluntarily withdraw from the Anglican Consultative Council, the main formal international entity within the Anglican Communion. Stance of ChurchesWithin the Anglican Communion there is diverse opinion over homosexuality. England
The issue erupted when Jeffrey John a gay canon was elected Bishop of Reading. Before he could take up his post there was strong opposition from a minority of Bishops and he was persuaded to resign. However, many senior Bishops have voiced disappointment at his decision to resign. Later in 2004 he was then installed as Dean of St Albans Cathedral. Australia
No official stance on homosexuality; however, national Church leader has stated the topic is not worth splitting the church over. Canada
"Canadian gays and lesbians will continue to be welcomed and received in our churches and to have their contributions to our common life honoured," in a letter wrote by Church leader Peers. Same sex union blessings have been authorised by one diocese with others considering such blessings. Central AfricaArchbishop Malango was quoted as stating Gene Robinson "brought darkness, disappointment, sadness and grief" to his Church. Kenya
Archbishop Nzimbi has strongly spoken against gay clergy. New Zealand
No official policy. Nigeria
The church remains sharply opposed to homosexuality, regarding it as taboo and against the Bible. Archbishop Peter Akinola has been one of the most outspoken critics of gay men and women in the Church. Southern Africa
Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane has criticised other African Churches against homosexuality and said that the church's attention should be focussed on other concerns such as AIDS and poverty. Their previous Archbishop, Desmond Tutu, stated:
Sudan
Archbishop Marona says the Church should help with the effects of war and poverty before homosexuality. "We have much worse things to face," he has been quoted. Tanzania
Archbishop Donald Mtetemela has said homosexuality is against the Bible: "the Anglican Church of Tanzania believes that homosexuality is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. It is a sin." [3] Uganda
The Ugandan church has cut ties with its North American counterparts over homosexuality. United States
The first church to ordain an openly gay bishop. For a group within the US church opposed to this move, see Anglican Communion Network. West Africa
No official policy. West IndiesArchbishop Gomez has said gay clergy are incompatible with scripture. Related articlesExternal links
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