ABUJA, Nigeria — Anglican leaders from the Third World have said the Episcopal Church should be given until the end of the year to “repent” for allowing an openly gay bishop or face expulsion from the Anglican Communion.
In a May 17 statement issued on behalf of 18 Anglican provinces in Asia, Africa and Latin America, Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria said Episcopalians have “cut themselves adrift” by consenting to the election of openly gay Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.
“This deliberate disobedience of the revealed will of God in the Holy Scriptures is a flagrant departure from the consensual and clearly communicated mind and will of the Anglican Communion,” Akinola said.
The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion, which includes 38 autonomous churches led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
Akinola urged Williams to give the U.S. church 90 days to “repent” after a special commission led by Irish Archbishop Robin Eames makes its report in October.
If Episcopalians do not revoke Robinson’s consecration, penalties should include “the suspension and ultimate expulsion of (the Episcopal Church) from fellowship and membership of the Anglican Communion,” Akinola said.
The statement said “similar measures” should also be applied to the Canadian diocese of New Westminster, which voted last year to allow the blessing of same-sex unions. (TAB)
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