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This belief is why most conservatives did not walk out in protest, Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "Walking out was not the right symbol," he said. "We stand steady, firm, believing in the church and grounded in faith." (For a defense of walking out in a similar context, see J.I. Packer's "Why I Walked" from CT's January issue.)

The world responds
Response from Anglican leaders abroad has almost universally condemned Robinson's confirmation as unbiblical, un-Anglican, and schismatic.

"It is quite clear that a move like this would be considered by the majority of Christians worldwide as putting the American church out of kilter with worldwide Christianity," journalist and orthodox Anglican Andrew Carey told the BBC. "The problem with this appointment is that for many people this seems to institutionalize something that has always been regarded as sinful—forgivable, but sinful."

Like most observers, Carey predicted that "there won't be an immediate split, but there will be a period of realignment and great difficulty."

Orlando Sentinel reporter Mark I. Pinsky explains the difference. "A breakup of the American church is unlikely for two reasons: the denomination's tradition of civility and flexibility; and a serious concern about walking away from assets such as church buildings, schools, cemeteries and pension funds," he writes in today's edition. "However, a rupture remains possible between the Episcopal Church and elements of the worldwide Anglican Communion."

Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria, leader of the largest Anglican body in the world, minced no words, declaring Robinson's election "a Satanic attack on God's church," and suggested breaking ties to the American body.

"The present development compels us to begin to think of the nature of our future relationship, which would be determined after the ongoing consultation with other Provinces and Primates," Akinola said. "Nevertheless, as things stand, a clear choice has been made for a Church that exists primarily in allegiance to the unbiblical departures and waywardness of our generation; a Church that enthrones the will of men over and above the authority of God and His revealed and written Word. Such a Church is bound to become a shrine for the worship of men rather than God. We cannot go on limping between two opinions."

The Church of Nigeria has already cut off relations with the New Westminster Diocese in British Columbia for its support of same-sex marriages.

Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishop of Kenya, also said the Robinson vote means the Episcopal Church USA has "separated themselves from us…. We are convinced that any diocese or province that has resolved and sanctioned the blessing of same-sex unions has denied itself membership in the Anglican Communion and has 'kicked' itself out of the Communion."

Mouneer Anis, Bishop of Egypt, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, likewise suggested a break with the Episcopal Church, and added that the vote makes his own job much harder. "This decision will unquestionably damage our interfaith relations with our Muslim friends among whom we live," he said. "It will also have a negative impact on our relations with the Orthodox and Catholic Churches in our area, which continue to hold fast to the apostolic faith and teachings from the first century. We will definitely be seen by them now as heretical."

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August (Web-only) 2003, Vol. 47