Church Life

The Gay Bishop’s Global Fallout

How each of the 39 provinces in the Anglican Communion have responded to Sunday’s consecration

Christianity Today November 1, 2003

With the consecration of Gene Robinson in New Hampshire as the first openly homosexual bishop in the Episcopal Church USA, the question was not if the Anglican Communion to which it belongs would split, but along what lines. Though no provinces have officially left the Communion, several do not recognize Robinson’s office and have declared a state of “impaired communion.” Below are the responses, if any, of each province.

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia

No response yet posted on their web site, but Bishop of Wellington Thomas Brown is quoted saying he regrets the actions taking in the U.S. and Canada.

The Anglican Church of Australia

No response yet posted on their web site, but the Primate of Australia, Peter Carnley, said it won’t split the church. Sydney Archbishop Peter Jensen is quoted calling Gene Robinson a “bishop of disunity,” and will not recognize him as an Anglican bishop.

The Church of Bangladesh

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil

No response yet on its Portuguese language web site.

The Episcopal Church of Burundi

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Anglican Church of Canada

Canadian Anglicans have problems of their own, as bishops are “struggling with dissent” with the diocese of New Westminster’s authorizing same-sex union ceremonies. Dissenting parishes have sought alternative oversight under the bishop of the Yukon, but now face disciplinary actions (along with the Yukon bishop) for doing so. Meanwhile, ten bishops signed a statement registering objection to Robinson’s consecration, but Archbishop Michael Peers has said, “Canadian gays and lesbians will continue to be welcomed and received in our churches and to have their contributions to our common life honored.”

The Church of the Province of Central Africa

Before the primates met in October, Primate Bernard Amos Malango said, ” We have been urging ECUSA not to depart from the Scriptures and the faith.” No further response since Robinson consecration, apart from saying it brought “darkness and disappointment” to the church.

Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

Province de L’Eglise Anglicane Du Congo

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of England

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said, “The divisions that are arising are a matter of deep regret; they will be all too visible in the fact that it will not be possible for Gene Robinson’s ministry as a bishop to be accepted in every province in the communion” (AP).

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

Web site is in Chinese, and not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of Ireland

No response on its web site, but Primate Archbishop Robin Eames, pleaded for time. “We are moving into unknown territory,” he said. Armagh diocese reiterated stance that homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture.

The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan)

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Episcopal Church inJerusalem & The Middle East

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Anglican Church of Kenya

No response on its web site, but “The devil has clearly entered our church,” said Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi of Kenya, who has announced that his church will have nothing to do with the Episcopal Church USA (New York Times), including accepting missionaries. “Our understanding of the Bible is different from them,” Nzimbi said. “We are two different churches” (Cape Times). He also said of Robinson’s consecration, “The devil has clearly entered the church. God cannot be mocked.”

The Anglican Church of Korea

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of the Province of Melanesia

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma)

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

Posted the Global South response (delivered by Primate Peter J. Akinola) on its web site. Akinola said, “We are appalled that the authorities within the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) have ignored the heartfelt plea of the Communion not to proceed with the scheduled consecration of Canon Gene Robinson.” Told the BBC that the church has “broken relationship with the church of the gay bishop, but we are going to work this out in practical terms. … For now, we have nothing to do with that church unless it repents.” He also says he will boycott all global meetings attended by representatives of the Episcopal Church USA, explaining, “We can no longer claim to be in the same communion.”

The Church of North India (United)

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of Pakistan (United)

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Episcopal Church in the Philippines

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

L’Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda

No web site, but earlier Primate Emmanuel Kolini said, “I simply detest the endorsement of homosexuality within the Anglican Church.”

The Scottish Episcopal Church

No specific response on its web site, but Primate Andrew Bruce Cameron said after the Primate’s meeting, ” The Scottish Episcopal Church has strong historical associations and continuing relationships with the Episcopal Church in the USA, and we must therefore remember them prayerfully and with compassion at this time.” Several clergy issued a statement saying they were “deeply saddened” that Robinson was consecrated.

Church of the Province of South East Asia

No web site, but Primate Datuk Yong Ping Chung earlier said Michael Ingham’s action in New Westminster authorizing a rite for the public blessing of a same-sex union was “irresponsible and arrogant.”

The Church of South India (United)

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Church of the Province of Southern Africa

No response on its web site, but Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane said, “We would like to congratulate Gene Robinson and pray for him” (New York Times).

Iglesia Anglicana del Cono Sur de America

No web site, but Archbishop Greg Venables said, “The United States have declared independence” (New York Times).

The Episcopal Church of the Sudan

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

The Anglican Church of Tanzania

No web site, but issued statement saying the consecration is “contrary to the revelation of the word of God and pastorally very damaging.”

The Church of the Province of Uganda

No web site, but a spokesman said, “The consecration of Mr. Robinson was “unacceptable to the church” (New York Times). Has cut ties with New Hampshire diocese, but not Episcopal Church USA as a whole.

The Episcopal Church in the USA

No official response on its web site, but in the news section, Primate Bishop Frank T. Griswold said, “We’re learning to live the mystery of communion at a deeper level.”

The Church in Wales

Rev. Dr. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales said to “act calmly” in a statement on the church’s web site.

The Church of the Province of West Africa

No response on its web site, but the BBC reports an official statement that has “with immediate effect, broken up relationship with the Anglican community in the U.S.”

The Church in the Province of the West Indies

No response on its web site, but in a letter, Primate Drexel Wellington Gomez said, “New Hampshire’s actions in electing an openly gay bishop, living in a sexual partnership outside of Christian marriage, is a clear rejection of this discipline that communion grants us.” He has banned all priests who participated in Robinson’s consecration.

The Church of Ceylon

No web site, not quoted in any news stories.

Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba

No response on its web site, not quoted in any news stories.

Seen a statement that we missed? Let us know.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere

Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey said the consecration has done “incalculable” damage to the Communion.

Christianity Today‘s earlier coverage of the Anglican Communion’s strife includes:

Translating the Anglican Primates | Interpretations vary widely on what last week’s statement means, how forceful it was, and what’s next. (Oct. 21, 2003)

Anglican Leaders Criticize Episcopal Church, Canada’s New Westminster Diocese on Homosexual Actions | Future of the Anglican unity “in jeopardy,” they say, but don’t break communion—yet. (Oct. 16, 2003)

Anglicanism’s Communion of Saints | Under the somber portraits of their predecessors, Anglican archbishops will discuss the fractious issues of the church and homosexuality. (Oct. 15, 2003)

Florida Bishop Defies Episcopal Church Head | The consecration of a new bishop becomes the latest battleground between Frank Griswold and the American Anglican Council. (Oct. 10, 2003)

Reimagining Anglican Bonds of Affection | Orthodox American leaders begin describing what realignment of the Anglican Communion might look like. (Oct. 09, 2003)

Conservative Episcopalians Challenge Church Politics as Usual | “A Place to Stand” conference combines unofficial convention, pep rally, and communiqué to Anglican leaders. (Oct. 08, 2003)

Our Brothers and Sisters, the Episcopalians | The Episcopal Church needs our help. Here’s why we should give it. (Oct. 03, 2003)

To My Episcopal Family | Final thoughts from the Episcopal Church’s General Convention. (Aug. 08, 2003)

Bishops Sanction ‘Resources,’ Not Rites | Having confirmed gay bishop, Episcopal leaders turn to discussing same-sex unions. (Aug. 7, 2003)

Darkness in the Afternoon | Openly homosexual Episcopal priest cleared of misconduct, confirmed as bishop (Aug. 6, 2003)

The Bitter Harvest of Sexual Ideology | No one wanted the Gene Robinson bishopric debate to take this sad turn (Aug. 5, 2003)

Deputies Slice into the Gordian Knot | The Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies approves Gene Robinson as New Hampshire Bishop. The House of Bishops will vote today. (Aug. 4, 2003)

Praise the Lord and Pass the Condoms | Southern Hemisphere primates warned that approving Gene Robinson would place the church outside most of the world’s 72 million Anglicans. “You’ll get over it,” responded about 60 percent of the House of Deputies. (Aug. 4, 2003)

Gene Robinson Takes Questions in a Church called Gethsemane | Speaks on reparative therapy, potential schism, and whether he really “/left” his wife for his male lover. (Aug. 4, 2003)

What in the World Is God Doing? | For Episcopalians, the night may be darkest before the dawn. (Aug. 4, 2003)

Integrity Doles Out God’s Not-So Inclusive Love | The Integrity Eucharist has become a triennial sort of mass pity party. (Aug. 1, 2003)

Gay Rites Would Not Bless Ecumenism | Could also impair Anglican work overseas. (Aug. 1, 2003)

Gene and Me | My history with the openly gay man elected bishop of Rochester. (July 31, 2003)

Anglican Communion Frays | Bishops worldwide chastise Canadian bishop who approved gay unions. (July 09, 2003)

The African Lion Roars in the Western Church | Anglican liberals are fretting, conservatives rejoicing, and all are scrambling to their history books: whence this new evangelical force on the world scene? (June 27, 20 03)

Anglican Diocese Endorses Same-Sex Unions | Traditionalists walk out, issue global call for outside intervention. (July 12, 2002)

Weblog: Is Anglicanism’s First Election of an Openly Gay Bishop an Exit Sign? (June 9, 2003)

Commission Will Try to Resolve Tensions Within Anglicanism Worldwide | Group will examine strains over homosexuality, as well as role of Archbishop of Canterbury. (March 20, 2001)

Our Latest

The Song of Mary Still Echoes Today

How the Magnificat speaks to God’s care for the lowly.

Paving the Way For God’s Perfect Plan

John the Baptist reveals the call for preparation.

The Surprising Arrival of a Servant

Jesus’ introduction of justice through gentleness.

The Unexpected Fruit of Barrenness

How the kingdom of God delights in grand reversals.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube