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.
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.
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."
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.
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).
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
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).
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.
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."
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."
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.
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)
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)
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 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)
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