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The issue of homosexuality remains one of great controversy throughout the Anglican Communion.
The majority of the Anglican Communion, in particular those outside the Wetern world such as African, Asian, and South American churches, maintain 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.
This more conservative view is also held by most traditionalist Anglican churches who have separated from the Anglican Communion, such as the continuing churches.
However many bishops of the Episcopal Church of the United States, Anglican Church of Canada, Church of England and other Western provinces of the communion, have argued extensively in favour of the view that homosexuality is not a sin. Many bishops ordain 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 church.
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 Africa, Asia and Latin America, representing more than one-third of Anglican Communion 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 controversy
On 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 meeting
As 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] (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3198992.stm)
- We must make clear that recent actions in New Westminster and in the Episcopal Church (USA) do not express the mind of our Communion as a whole, and these decisions jeopardise our sacramental fellowship with each other.
- ...
- If his [Gene Robinson's] consecration proceeds, we recognise that we have reached a crucial and critical point in the life of the Anglican Communion and we have had to conclude that the future of the Communion itself will be put in jeopardy.
- ...
- In this case, the ministry of this one bishop will not be recognised by most of the Anglican world, and many provinces are likely to consider themselves to be out of Communion with the Episcopal Church (USA). This will tear the fabric of our Communion at its deepest level, and may lead to further division on this and further issues as provinces have to decide in consequence whether they can remain in communion with provinces that choose not to break communion with the Episcopal Church (USA).
- ...
- Similar considerations apply to the situation pertaining in the Diocese of New Westminster.
- ...
- We commend the report of that Conference in its entirety to all members of the Anglican Communion, valuing especially its emphasis on the need "to listen to the experience of homosexual persons, and... to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ"; and its acknowledgement of the need for ongoing study on questions of human sexuality.
- ...
- As Primates, it is not for us to pass judgement on the constitutional processes of another province. We recognise the sensitive balance between provincial autonomy and the expression of critical opinion by others on the internal actions of a province.
2004 Church Letter
In 2004 the Archbishop of Canterbury condemned comments by Bishops outside the Western world for inciting violence against gay men and women.
- "Any words that could make it easier for someone to attack or abuse a homosexual person are words of which we must repent. Do not think repentance is always something others are called to, but acknowledge the failings we all share, sinful and struggling disciples as we are."
Subsequent Division
Bishops 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.
Stance of Churches
Within 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, the site of England's first Christian martyr.
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 Africa
Archbishop 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 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.
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 Mtetemela has said homosexuality is against the Bible.
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.
West Africa
No official policy.
West Indies
Archbishop Gomez has said gay clergy are incompatible with scripture.
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