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During the past few years tensions in the Anglican Communion have increased as a result of decisions made in a number of provinces relating to human sexuality. The most well-known of these events was the decision of the Diocese of New Hampshire (Episcopal Church USA) to elect The Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop co-adjutor. Bp. Robinson is an openly gay man, divorced with children, and living with his partner of thirteen years. The General Convention of the ECUSA approved the election and Bp. Robinson was consecrated on November 3rd, 2003.

The issues in the Anglican Communion are broader than the immediate question of the inclusion of homosexual persons in ministry. Questions relating to the moral status of homosexual persons and homosexual acts are front and centre, but theological questions about Christian anthropology, provincial autonomy, and inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue are all implicated. The decision of the Diocese of New Westminster (Anglican Church of Canada) to bless same-sex unions came together with the decision of the Ontario and British Columbia Courts of Appeal to legalise same-sex marriage in Canada. Other Anglican dioceses in Canada and elsewhere are quietly considering proposals for a rite to bless a same-sex union or marriage.

The news headlines below contain material from the religious press on this important issue. A number of public statements are also found in this collection. The vast majority of this material derives from Anglican sources. News articles should not be considered as official statements of the churches involved.

Windsor Report of the Lambeth Commission on Communion

[18 October 2004 • Lambeth Commission] The Lambeth Commission has been conscious of the trust placed in it by the Anglican Communion and, despite the difficulties it has faced, offers this Report in the prayerful hope that it will encourage the enhanced levels of understanding which are essential for the future of the Anglican Communion. Above all I [Robin Eames] pray it will be viewed as a genuine contribution to what communion really means for Anglicans.

Statement from the Archbishop of Wales

[ACNS 3901 • 19 October 2004 • Church of Wales] The Commission has worked hard over a whole year to find a way forward for the Anglican Communion. Its membership was drawn from across that Communion reflecting different cultures, theologies and viewpoints but its report is a unanimous one. It was not asked and has not tried to tackle the issue of human sexuality.

Statement from Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada

[ACNS 3899 • 18 October 2004 • Anglican Church of Canada] This morning I received a copy of the report of the Lambeth Commission on Communion (Eames Commission). The Commission was created by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and chaired by Archbishop Robin Eames of Armagh, the senior Metropolitan in the Anglican Communion. Its mandate was to maximize Communion within the worldwide Anglican family despite significant theological differences.

Statement from the Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane

[ACNS 3898 • 18 October 2004 • Church of the Province of Southern Africa] Today is an important day for the Anglican Communion. I want to begin by congratulating Archbishop Robin Eames and the members of the Lambeth Commission for producing such a comprehensive Report in such a short time, and in such testing circumstances.

Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury

[ACNS 3897 • 18 October 2004 • Lambeth Palace] As you know Archbishop Robin Eames has presented to me the report of the Commission he has been chairing and which was published earlier today. Now that it is in the public domain, I wanted to say a few words as President of the Anglican Communion, on whose future working arrangements of course the report focuses.

Statement from the Presiding Bishop of ECUSA

[ACNS 3894 • 18 October 2004 • Episcopal Church USA] I write to you from London where I am attending a meeting of the Primates' Standing Committee. I have had a matter of hours to review the Report of the Lambeth Commission on Communion, thus I will now offer only some preliminary observations.

Statement from the Most Revd Bernard Malango

[ACNS 3893 • 18 October 2004 • Primate of Central Africa] I welcome the publication of the Windsor Report. I was privileged to be part of the Lambeth Commission, and despite some very honest exchanges, we were able to come together as a Commission to offer what I believe represents a genuine way forward for the future of the Anglican Communion.

Letter from Archbishop Robin Eames to the Primates and Moderators of the Anglican Communion

[29 April 2004 • Lambeth Commission] As Chairman of the Lambeth Commission established by the Archbishop of Canterbury following the meeting of Primates and Moderators at Lambeth Palace last October I want to give you an update on our work... While I cannot at this stage predict the form of the Commission's Report I recognise that the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council together with the Provinces will have to reach decisions which will have defining and widespread consequences. It would be my hope that once the Report is published we can take such decisions as necessary in a manner which is unrushed, in Christian charity and by means of due process. It is my prayer and earnest hope that the Report we are preparing will enable the Anglican Communion to move forward together in ways which will stand the test of time whatever difficulties may arise in future years for our world family.

Caring for all Churches: A response of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church to an expressed need of the Church

[ACNS 3805 • 24 March 2004 • USA] We as bishops are not of a common mind about issues concerning human sexuality. Different points of view on these matters also exist within our dioceses and congregations. In some instances there are significant differences between congregation(s) and the bishop and few of our congregations are themselves of one mind. As we exercise pastoral leadership in our dioceses, we pledge ourselves to work always towards the fullest relationship, seeking, as the Archbishop of Canterbury has said, "the highest degree of communion." We are grateful for his leadership and share the pastoral concerns expressed by the Primates of the Anglican Communion in their statement of October 2003, "for those who in all conscience feel bound to dissent from the teaching and practice of their province in such matters." We have committed ourselves to living through this time of disagreement in love and charity and with sensitivity to the pastoral needs of all members of our church.

Note: This is a pastoral letter responding to the need for alternative pastoral oversight in some dioceses of the Episcopal Church USA. Four important points should be noted: 1) the Bishops distinguish between pastoral oversight and pastoral care, noting that the terms are used differently in the ECUSA than in other Anglican provinces; 2) alternative pastoral oversight is only by delegation of the diocesan bishop, and does not involve a transfer of jurisdiction; 3) delegated pastoral oversight is for a specific time period during which the arrangement is to be reviewed; and 4) the arrangement is predicated on a willingness of both bishop and parish to seek reconciliation.

Statement from the Lambeth Commission on Communion

[16 February 2004 • Lambeth Commission] The first plenary session of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission on Communion met from 9th - 13th February, 2004, at St George's House, Windsor, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Robin Eames, the Primate of All Ireland. The Commission received its mandate from the Archbishop of Canterbury following the meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion in Lambeth Palace, London, in October 2003. It is in reference to that meeting that the Commission has adopted the short name "The Lambeth Commission". It has been asked to look at ways of maintaining the highest degree of communion possible in the light of developments in the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Diocese of New Westminster, Canada.

Lambeth Commission tackles tensions in the Church

[ACNS 3781 • 16 February 2004 • Lambeth Commission] The Lambeth Commission today expressed its sadness over the "strident language" being used in the debate now besetting the Anglican Communion over the issues of openly gay clergy and same sex unions. In a statement following its first full plenary meeting under the chairmanship of the Most Revd Robin Eames, the Primate of all Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, at St George's House, Windsor, the commission sets out its work-plan for the next few months.

Commissioning Liturgy for Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission

[9 February 2004 • Lambeth Commission] A short form of commissioning used by the Archbishop of Canterbury to commission the new commission members.

Advisory: The Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission

[ACNS 3713 • 18 December 2003 • Lambeth Commission] The full Commission will meet as a whole on three occasions: in February; June; and September 2004. It intends to complete its initial report on the nature, extent and consequences of Impaired Communion in the Anglican Communion as a result of recent developments by the end of September 2004 for submission to the Archbishop of Canterbury in October. Intensive work will also be commissioned from individual members of the Commission and others, and undertaken beyond the main sessions set out above.

SE Asian Anglicans end US ties

[BBC • 4 December 2003 • Kuala Lumpur] The Anglican Church in South East Asia has announced that it is to suspend its ties with its sister church in the United States following its appointment of an openly gay bishop. The Anglican Primate of South East Asia described same sex unions as an abomination to God and said relations would stay on ice until the appointment is revoked.

Swedish church told plans for gay blessing will be bad for ecumenism

[ENI-03-0660 • 3 December 2003 • Stockholm] Plans by the (Lutheran) Church of Sweden to introduce a ceremony for same-sex couples have stirred protests from leaders of other denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, two Orthodox churches and the Pentecostal movement. "This action will inevitably affect ecumenical talks and relations in a negative direction," nine church leaders wrote in a letter to the board of the Church of Sweden, criticising the decision. The Church of Sweden's assembly in October commissioned the church board to draw up a liturgy for a church ceremony for same-sex partnerships.

Schism compromises church's global unity

[Yale Daily News • 3 December 2003 • USA] In the past two weeks, one of the great engines of globalization has been sputtering badly, and almost nobody has noticed. The consecration of openly gay Gene Robinson as an Episcopal bishop in New Hampshire has drawn plenty of attention, as has the resulting uproar in other Anglican churches. Most observers have noted its place in the global politics of homosexuality, contrasting a liberal West with a traditional South, and moved on. This analysis fails to describe the implications of a split in the Anglican world. If missionary churches cannot remain in communion, then the world has become much less connected than it used to be.

In The Northwest: Tumult over gay bishop threatens reconciliation

[Seattle Post-Intelligencer • 3 December 2003 • Seattle] Advent is for Christians a season of hope and anticipation that precedes Christmas. But this year it is a time of splintered hopes for Seattle's Roman Catholic Archbishop Alex Brunett. ... As Catholic co-chairman of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, Brunett was set to host -- in Seattle -- a February meeting due to produce a landmark common statement of faith. A chill has come over the commission's work, however, in the wake of the consecration of V. Gene Robinson, a non-celibate gay, as an Episcopal bishop in New Hampshire.

Gay bishop's consecration has not brought open threat of break from church in Jersey

[Star-Ledger • 3 December 2003 • New Jersey] Although irate over last month's consecration of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, New Jersey's conservative Episcopal leaders have not been as vocal as like- minded clergy in other states who are threatening to split from the national church. Episcopal priests in the state who opposed New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson's consecration say they hope to remain in communion with the 2.3 million- member national church despite serious discord over its treatment of homosexuality.

Concerning the future work of the Anglican Roman Catholic Dialogue

[ACNS 3700 • 2 December 2003 • Anglican Communion Office] On Tuesday 25 November 2003, Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, met with the Reverend Canon John L. Peterson, Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, at the offices of the Pontifical Council. At the meeting the future of Anglican Roman Catholic dialogue was discussed, especially in the light of recent developments within the life of the Anglican Communion. As a result of the conversation, it was decided that the next plenary session of the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) and its work towards the publication and reception of a Common Statement of Faith would have to be put on hold in the light of ecclesiological concerns raised as a consequence of these events. At the same time, the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church remain committed to continuing their dialogue, and agree that the work of the sub-committees of the Commission would proceed.

Ordination of Homosexual Bishop Delays Anglican-Catholic Dialogue

[ZENIT • 2 December 2003 • Rome] The ordination of an openly homosexual bishop in the Anglican Communion has caused delays in ecumenical meetings with the Catholic Church and in the redaction of a joint document. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity made that announcement in a statement today, following a meeting held last week between Cardinal Walter Kasper, the council's president, and the Reverend Canon John Peterson, secretary-general of the Anglican Consultative Council.

Vatican Statement on Catholic-Anglican Dialogue

[ZENIT • 2 December 2003 • Rome] On Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, met with the Reverend Canon John L. Peterson, Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, at the offices of the Pontifical Council. At the meeting the future of Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue was discussed, especially in the light of recent developments within the life of the Anglican Communion. As a result of the conversation, it was decided that the next plenary session of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) and its work towards the publication and reception of a Common Statement of Faith would have to be put on hold in the light of ecclesiological concerns raised as a consequence of these events. At the same time, the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church remain committed to continuing their dialogue, and agree that the work of the sub-committees of the Commission would proceed.

Top Anglican leader quits dialogue forum with Catholics, over gay bishop

[ENI-03-0656 • 1 December 2003 • New York] Frank Griswold, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church (USA), has resigned as the leading Anglican representative of the body that has fostered dialogue between the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. He cited the strain that the recent consecration of an openly gay bishop has had on relations between the Anglican Communion and the Holy See. But even Griswold's resignation, according to newspaper speculation, will not prevent the Vatican from calling off talks between the two churches after a final meeting sometime early next year.

ARCIC Co-chairman to step down

[ACNS 3693 • 29 November 2003 • Lambeth Palace] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has received the resignation of the presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (USA), Bishop Frank Griswold, as Anglican Co-chair of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission. Following recent events in the life of ECUSA, Bishop Griswold has written to the Archbishop of Canterbury to announce his decision, in the interests of "not jeopardizing the present and future life and work of the Commission". In his response, Archbishop Williams thanked Bishop Griswold for his "outstanding labour and commitment."

Framing the Debate on Same-Sex Marriage: Proponents Push Civil Rights Arguments, But Doubts Abound

[ZENIT • 29 November 2003 • Boston] Debates intensified after the Nov. 18 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court mandating a right to marriage for same-sex couples. What form any legislative action may take, and whether full-marriage equivalency will be granted, is still undefined as politicians struggle with this thorny issue.

Diocese of Toronto begins discussions on same-gender blessings

[ACNS 3689 • 26 November 2003 • Canada] The Diocese of Toronto has embarked on a year-long process to discuss the issue of same-gender blessings. The diocese's Synod, its governing body, approved the process at a meeting in Toronto on November 21. The process will include information sessions for clergy and laity on March 6, April 3, April 24 and May 1, 2004, followed by a special session of Synod in the fall of 2004. Parishioners will also be encouraged to discuss the issue in their churches. Archbishop Terence Finlay said the process will help Anglicans in the diocese discuss and reflect on the issue before making any decisions.

South East Asia Responds to ECUSA

[24 November 2003 • Malaysia] A press statement from the Office of the Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia. In this statement the Province of South Asia breaks communion with the ECUSA and re-affirms the June 2003 break with the Canadian Diocese of New Westminster. Includes an appendix listing the ECUSA bishops who voted to affirm the election of Bp. Robinson, and the bishops who participated in the November 3 consecration.

As Russians cut ties with US church, Orthodox edge closer to splinter group

[ENI-03-0631 • 24 November 2003 • Moscow] The Russian Orthodox Church has broken ties with the Episcopal Church, USA, following the appointment of a gay bishop in the US church, but at the same time the Russian church is moving closer to a reunion with an Orthodox church abroad that has run its own affairs since a schism after the 1917 Bolshevik revolution. "Homosexual sexual contact has always been considered a grave sin by the Christian Church," the Russian Orthodox Church's Moscow Patriarchate said in a statement. "Biblical passages that condemn homosexuality are clear and unequivocal."

Archbishop of Cape Town responds to Nigerian Bishops' statement

[ACNS 3683 • 23 November 2003 • Southern Africa] The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Njongonkulu Ndungane, has issued a statement responding to the reported severing of ties with the Episcopal Church in the USA by the Anglican Church in Nigeria. "If these reports are accurate, my prayer is that the Nigerian bishops will come to reconsider their action and await the outcome of the commission established by the worldwide Communion."

Marriage and Same-Sex Unions: One and the Same?

[ZENIT • 22 November 2003 • New York] "Same-sex "marriage" is once more in the headlines after Tuesday's controversial decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that same-sex couples have a right to civil marriages, according to the provisions of the state constitution. The decision follows recent defeats for same-sex couples in state courts in New Jersey and Arizona, where appeals may still be made."

Episcopal oversight debated in New Westminster

[ACNS 3680 • 21 November 2003 • Canada] The Chairman of the Anglican Communion in New Westminster (ACiNW) - a coalition of 11 parishes that oppose the Diocese's decision to bless same-sex unions - has written to the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada thanking the House of Bishops for their search "for a resolution of the problem we are experiencing in the Diocese of New Westminster".

Statement from the Bishops of the Anglican Church of Nigeria regarding Gene Robinson's consecration

[ACNS 3679 • 21 November 2003 • Nigeria] An 8-paragraph communiqué, signed by the Primate of Nigeria, the Most Revd Peter Akinola, on behalf of all the bishops, was issued at the end of a meeting in Port Harcourt on 15 November.

Religious groups vow opposition to go-ahead for gay marriage in US state

[ENI-03-0623 • 20 November 2003 • New York] Conservative US religious groups are vowing to undertake a major constitutional battle in the wake of a court decision in the state of Massachusetts affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry. In a 4-3 decision, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court said the state could not deny the right of gay or lesbian couples to marry in civil ceremonies and ordered the state legislature to change the state's law within 180 days. Hailed by gay-rights groups, the action was severely condemned by conservatives who pledged to intensify efforts to prohibit same-sex marriage through a constitutional ban that would first have to be approved by the US Congress.

Anglican situation brings Canadian Lutherans to study same-sex blessings

[ENI-03-0613 • 17 November 2003 • Vancouver, BC] An ecumenical partnership between Canada's Lutherans and Anglicans has pressured the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) to respond to the controversial blessing and marriage of same-sex couples that has caused a furore in the Anglican Communion worldwide. Since the Waterloo Declaration of 2001, the ELCIC and the Anglican Church of Canada recognise one another's rites, ministries and sacraments, and have been working in close partnership.

Awful Event, Great Crisis, Great Opportunity - A Statement from Bishop Salmon of South Carolina

[17 November 2003 • USA] The diocese of New Hampshire's November 2 episcopal consecration of a non-celibate man who has a male partner is an awful event for Anglicans around the world. It is against the clear teaching of the Old and New Testaments without exception that God says no to sexual activity outside Holy Matrimony. It is against the ecumenical consensus of global Christianity that while all are welcome in God's family, holiness of life can only be maintained in the two human states of singleness or marriage.

Dean who married same-sex couple prayed he could 'welcome all people'

[15 November 2003 • Hamilton, Ontario] The decision to marry two women in Hamilton's Christ's Church Cathedral last August was "either a moment of grace or a moment of error," said Rev. Peter Wall, dean of the diocese of Niagara and rector of the cathedral. Dean Wall confirmed in an interview that he was the priest disciplined by Bishop Ralph Spence after performing a same-sex wedding in a Niagara parish. The wedding took place Aug. 25 in the cathedral with about 90 people in attendance.

A Statement by the Rt. Revd Dr. Mouneer Anis, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa

[14 November 2003 • Egypt] We, in the Diocese of Egypt, are saddened by the consecration of Gene Robinson, not only because it is a clear rejection of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures and the historical teachings of the Church, but also because it is tearing and dividing the Anglican Communion apart. It has caused the Body of Christ to be deeply wounded.

Gene Robinson begins episcopate with call for inclusion

[ACNS 3672 • 13 November 2003 • USA] Even as the controversy over the November 2 consecration of V Gene Robinson as the church's first openly gay man to be elected to the episcopate continued to simmer among Episcopalians around the world, he quietly began his ministry with a pledge to take the message of God's love to "those on the margins". Pointing out that Jesus spent a major part of his ministry with women, tax collectors and foreigners instead of the wealthy and leaders of the synagogue, Bishop Robinson told the congregation at All Saints Church in Peterborough, a week after his controversial consecration, that Jesus "looked at the religious establishment of his day and realized that they had closed their eyes to those on the margins. Think of all the kinds of blindness right outside this door: not seeing people in need or turning the other way when we do," he said.

Doing the Lambeth Walk? The Anglican Communion in the aftermath of the Gene Robinson consecration

[ACNS: Irish Times • 10 November 2003 • Ireland] Perhaps the greatest tragedy facing the Anglican Communion at this moment is the querulous insistence from many quarters, both inside and outside the Communion, that provinces, dioceses, and individuals take one of two mutually exclusive stances. It would seem that we are either to declare that Gene Robinson is, quite simply, not a "real" bishop (no matter how much he or the American Episcopal Church may think otherwise), or else we are to share in lavish rejoicing at the visionary and prophetic step signified by his consecration. But what about the rest of us, those who can do neither? An Article by the Most Revd Richard Clarke, Bishop of Meath and Kildare.

Bishop Buckle withdraws offer to New Westminster parishes

[ACNS 3668 • 10 November 2003 • Canada] Bishop Terrence Buckle of the Yukon is withdrawing his offer of episcopal oversight to parishes in the diocese of New Westminster that do not agree with the blessing of same-sex unions. "It is apparent to me that the way ahead in this regard is to allow a new process and … it is necessary for me to now withdraw," he wrote in a letter to the coalition of parishes called the Anglican Communion in New Westminster.

Sermon at the Consecration of V. Gene Robinson by the Rt. Rev. Douglas E. Theuner

[ENS • 7 November 2003 • USA] Gene, to begin with I have a word of advice for you. Sue and I were married by the same priest who later presented me for ordination. On the night before each of those momentous events in my life he gave me the very same piece of advice: "Don't go through with this unless you believe that you can't live the rest of your life fully without doing it." Consider that little piece of advice a small bit of apostolic succession.

Canadian Anglican bishops struggle with dissent

[ACNS 3666 • 7 November 2003 • Canada] Canadian Anglican bishops have voted to strike a task force to study what the church should do to provide spiritual care for members who dissent from church policies. The bishops spent a good part of their four-day meeting discussing the situation in the diocese of New Westminster, which has authorized the blessing of same-sex unions. A group of Anglicans in the parish have declared that they cannot accept this and have asked another bishop to assume "Episcopal oversight" of their parishes.

South African bishop seeks to avert African Anglican split

[ENI-03-0596 • 7 November 2003 • Johannesburg] Southern Africa's senior Anglican bishop Njongonkulu Ndungane insists that, despite dissident rumblings from some African clergy, the appointment of the Anglican Communion's first openly-gay bishop will not split the church. Ndungane, the archbishop of Cape Town, has broken ranks with many African Anglicans by backing the consecration of Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire on 2 November. This week Ndungane came out of a spiritual retreat to try to keep the African church within the worldwide Anglican fold after clerics in Kenya and Nigeria refused to recognise Robinson's consecration.

International reaction to Gene Robinson's consecration in New Hampshire mixed

[ACNS 3665 • 6 November 2003 • USA] The November 2 consecration of the Revd V. Gene Robinson as bishop coadjutor in the Diocese of New Hampshire brought swift and varied reactions from Anglican leaders around the world - and dire warnings that the future of the Anglican Communion is in jeopardy. At the same time, it was evident that not everyone was prepared to rush into schism.

Statement issued by Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Cape Town on the election and consecration of Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire

[5 November 2003 • Southern Africa]

Anglican Church of Kenya press statement regarding the consecration of Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire

[4 November 2003 • Kenya] The Anglican Church of Kenya deeply regrets the move by the Episcopal Church of USA to consecrate the Canon Gene Robishon as on openly Gay Bishop. Gene's consecration is a flagrant disobedience to scripture, a departure that is contrary to our understanding of the mind of Christ. His consecration had no regard of the Lambeth position of 1998 (Resolution 1.10). With his consecration 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 to jeopardy. In this case, the Anglican Church of Kenya will not recognize the ministry of this one Bishop.

Some issues in human sexuality: a guide to the debate [Study guide]

[ACNS 3663 • 4 November 2003 • England] The House of Bishops [of the Church of England] has commended for study a guide to some aspects of the debate on human sexuality. Some Issues in Human Sexuality: A Guide to the Debate, requested by the House three years ago, sets out a variety of views on homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexualism and seeks to promote informed reflection on them. It neither changes nor suggests changes to current Church policy. "Recent events have highlighted the need for such a guide," said the Rt. Revd Richard Harries, Bishop of Oxford and chairman of the group of bishops that produced the Guide, "and the House of Bishops believes it has become timely to publish this study guide now to help Christian people think through different aspects of gay, lesbian and transsexual relationships." The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, said that the report was intended to deepen the Church's study on the issue: "It is clear that there is a real need for more study of the issues raised by human sexuality. We have done a great deal of work as a church on this matter and we know that there is much still be to be learned.

 

Some Issues in Human Sexuality: A Guide to the Debate, price £12.95, and A Companion to Some Issues in Human Sexuality, price £2.50, are published by Church House Publishing and are available from some Christian bookshops and: Church House Bookshop, 31 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7898 1305; Email:  or on the web at: www.chbookshop.co.uk (mail order available).

A statement of the Anglican Church of Tanzania concerning the consecration of Gene Robinson

[3 November 2003 • Tanzania] The Anglican Church of Tanzania hereby issues a statement opposing the action of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) in consecrating the Revd Canon Gene Robinson, who is a homosexual, to the episcopate on the 2 November, 2003. We declare that this is against the revelation of the Word of God and against the mind of the Anglican Church worldwide as expressed in the Lambeth Resolutions.

Statement of the Primates of the Global South in the Anglican Communion

[3 November 2003 • Nigeria] It is with profound sadness and pain that we have arrived at this moment in the history of the Anglican Communion. 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. They have ignored the clear and strong warning of its detrimental consequences for the unity of the Communion which was contained in the Statement from the Primates' Meeting of October 15th and 16th which was unanimously assented to by the thirty-seven Primates present including the presiding bishop of ECUSA.

Mixed feelings as first openly gay Anglican bishop is consecrated

[ACNS 3659 • 3 November 2003 • USA • with photographs] Over 3,000 people, including 54 bishops and ecumenical guests, gathered today at the Whittemore Center - part of the University of New Hampshire, Durham - to celebrate one of the most controversial and momentous occasions in the history of the Anglican Communion. The Rt Revd V Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, was consecrated as Bishop-coadjutor of New Hampshire this afternoon in a three-hour long ceremony that involved choirs, bell ringers, brass bands and thunderous applause, but also heard the witness of some Episcopalians who were not so happy with the first openly gay bishop to be consecrated in the Anglican Communion.

Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury following the consecration of Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop-coadjutor of New Hampshire

[ACNS 3658 • 3 November 2003 • England]

Changing Attitude welcomes the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson

[3 November 2003 • England] Changing Attitude, a national organisation of Bishops, Priests and Lay People in the Church of England calling for the full participation of lesbian and gay people in the Anglican communion welcomes and celebrates the consecration today of Canon Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. Bishop Robinson is a priest of great integrity, generosity, courage and wisdom. He discerned a call from God in his life to this particular ministry, and after deep, prayerful listening, he responded to the call with courage and faith. The people of the diocese of New Hampshire have examined him and tested his call and chosen him through due process to be their bishop. We pray for Bishop Gene, his partner Mark, his children and the people of the diocese of New Hampshire.

Statement of the Bishop of Utah, on the consecration of the Rt. Revd Gene Robinson

[3 November 2003 • USA] Our prayers for Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, the Anglican Communion and the whole of Christ's church have been resolute and constant since his election as a bishop, and the General Convention's consent to that election last summer.

Anglican Communion edges closer to split after consecration of gay bishop

[ENI-03-0587 • 3 November 2003 • Nairobi, Kenya] The worldwide Anglican Communion faces the prospect of a split after many church leaders threatened to loosen or break off ties with the US diocese that consecrated an openly gay bishop the day before. In Nairobi, Thomas Kogo, Anglican bishop of Eldoret diocese, said he was speaking on behalf of Kenya's Anglican leaders when he declared: "We have broken our links with the US Episcopal Church. As a church, we are not going to support homosexuality in the church, primarily because it is a sin." But those who backed the consecration of the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as a bishop in the US state of New Hampshire welcomed it as a move towards a more inclusive church.

Consecration of gay Anglican bishop triggers warning of split

[ENI-03-0584 • 3 November 2003  • New York] The Episcopal Church (USA) has ordained its first openly gay bishop - a move that supporters hailed as a milestone and a welcome act of inclusion, but which critics assailed as a dangerous act that threatens to divide the worldwide Anglican Communion. In a ceremony at a hockey arena in Durham, New Hampshire, that attracted nearly 50 other Episcopal bishops and thousands of church members and supporters, the Rev. Gene Robinson was consecrated as bishop "coadjutor" for the New Hampshire diocese of the Episcopal Church.

Anglican Communion soon to divide?

[2 November 2003 • Australia] An editorial by Margaret Rodgers in the Southern Cross, published by the Diocese of Sydney, Australia.

Chaplain resigns after column supporting Robinson's election

[ENS • 29 October 2003 • USA] An Episcopal chaplain who wrote a column for a Georgia private school's newspaper supporting the election of Canon Gene Robinson, an openly gay man in a committed relationship, as bishop coadjutor of New Hampshire has resigned under pressure from the school's administration.

Archbishop Eames pledges 'path forward' as commission named to look at 'communion' uniting Anglicans

[ACNS 3653 • 28 October 2003 • England] Named today by the Archbishop of Canterbury to lead a 16-member commission formed to report on "understandings of communion" that unite Anglicans worldwide, Archbishop Robin Eames of Ireland said this morning that opportunities for growth and reconciliation can be found amid "what some are calling a crisis" in Anglicanism worldwide as the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire proceeds with the November 2 ordination of a bishop living in a same-sex union with his male partner.

Anglican Communion - Commission announced

[ACNS 3652 • 28 October 2003 • Lambeth Palace] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has announced the makeup and the terms of reference for a Commission to look at life in the Anglican Communion in the light of recent events. It is to be made up of members appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be chaired by the Most Revd Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh.

Canon Gene Robinson addresses Halfway to Lambeth by satellite link

[ACNS 3649 • 25 October 2003 • England] Speaking via a live satellite link from New Hampshire today, the Revd Canon V Gene Robinson, who will be consecrated as the Anglican Communion's first openly gay bishop next week, told the Halfway to Lambeth conference that "the issue of homosexuality in the Church should not be elevated above all that holds us together".

Reclaiming Christian Orthodoxy: Address by Bishop Michael Ingham at Halfway to Lambeth conference

[ACNS 3648 • 25 October 2003 • England] In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel Jesus asks, "Is there any one among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give them a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish will give them a snake?" [Matthew 7: 9-10] Jesus was speaking of the love of God for the needs of all the human family. He was in particular challenging the notion that the love of God is reserved for the pious and the pure, the ritually kosher and the institutionally orthodox. Just as human parents will not refuse their own children food, or love, he says, so the Lord God will not refuse those who ask for bread in the name of His Son Jesus Christ.

Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement hosts Halfway to Lambeth conference in Manchester

[ACNS 3647 • 24 October 2003 • England] After eighteen months of intense planning, the Halfway to Lambeth conference, organised by the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM), began today (24 October) in Manchester, England. The conference is host to overseas visitors and keynote speakers from many parts of the Anglican Communion including: the Rt Revd Michael Ingham, Bishop of New Westminster in Canada; the Revd Mario Ribas, a gay priest in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil; and the Very Revd Rowan Smith, Dean of Cape Town Cathedral in South Africa. In addition, the Revd Canon V Gene Robinson - set to be the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion when he is consecrated in New Hampshire on 2 November - will be taking part via a live satellite link. The objective of the Halfway to Lambeth conference is to provide an opportunity for bishops, and others from the Anglican Communion, to listen to the experience of homosexual people - as laid out in Resolution I.10 from the 1998 Lambeth Conference - and to make preparations to ensure that the experience of lesbian and gay Anglicans is fully and accurately reflected at the next Lambeth Conference in 2008.

For the Primates of the Anglican Communion from Bishop Griswold

[ACNS 3646 • 24 October 2003 • USA] I returned home from our meeting at Lambeth grateful for the spirit of candor in which we shared our thoughts and feelings. I thank God for the opportunity to come together in Christ's name and for the strong bonds and mutual affection that exist between us. I pray that our common commitment to mission and God's ongoing work of reconciliation will continue to bind us together in Christ in the days and years ahead. I remind myself that the church is not our possession but the risen body of Christ of which each one of us is a limb and member in virtue of our baptism.

Archbishop Ndungane's letter regarding the Consultation on homosexuality

[23 October 2003 • Southern Africa] On Wednesday 22 October I hosted an ecumenical Consultation on Homosexuality in partnership with the School of Theology of the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg. This was the first such consultation which involved most Christian denominations and members of civil society, including lesbian and gay groups. The object of this consultation was to determine where the church in South Africa stands on the matter of homosexuality. The statements that were read by representatives from various churches revealed the depth and complexity of this vexing issue. I was deeply moved by the personal stories that reminded us of the human face behind our ongoing discussion. I was convinced of the need to journey together as church and society. This journey requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving, among others, theologians, social scientists, other academic disciplines, church leadership and civil society. We emerged from the Consultation filled with hope that we may come to develop a deeper understanding of our human sexuality. An understanding that will engender respect, love and support for our sisters and brothers of homosexual orientation, who are created in God's image and for whom Christ died.

American Anglican Council Begins Preparations for Realignment of Anglicanism in America

[23 October 2003 • USA]

The Chairman of the Committee for Dialogue with the Monotheistic Faiths of Al-Azhar praises the statement of the recent Primates' meeting

[23 October 2003 • Egypt]

Resolutions passed by the Sydney Synod concerning developments in the Anglican Communion

[21 October 2003 • Australia]

Church's acceptance of gays and lesbians has not changed, Anglican Primate says

[21 October 2003 • Canada] Canadian gays and lesbians will continue to be "welcomed and received in our churches and to have their contributions to our common life honored," says Archbishop Michael Peers, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. In a statement released today, Archbishop Peers said that reports quoting him as implying that the Canadian church would seek to dissociate itself from the U.S. Episcopal Church because of its election of a gay bishop were "wildly inaccurate."

Funds diverted from national church to local mission work

[21 October 2003 • USA]

Anglicans worldwide look for clues to the future in statement from Primates' Meeting

[20 October 2003 • USA]

Bishop Duncan's report to the Diocese of Pittsburgh

[18 October 2003 • USA]

Statement from the Rt Revd Don A Wimberly, Bishop of Texas, in response to the meeting of Anglican Primates

[18 October 2003 • USA]

A Word to the Church: A message from Presiding Bishop Frank T Griswold

[ACNS 3641 • 18 October 2003 • USA]

Radio Interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury

[ACNS 3640 • 18 October 2003 • England]

Bishop Michael Ingham's response to the statement of the Primates of the Anglican Communion

[17 October 2003 • Canada] The Primates' statement from Lambeth today should be welcomed by members of the Diocese of New Westminster. Pressures from certain parts of the Communion to have dioceses such as ours and provinces like the Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) expelled from the Communion have been firmly rejected by the Primates. Efforts to seek legitimation for schismatic attacks on the fundamental structures of the church - by such bishops as Terrence Buckle of the Yukon - have received no support whatsoever. Instead, the Primates have reaffirmed "the teaching of successive Lambeth Conferences that bishops must respect the autonomy and territorial integrity of dioceses and provinces other than their own."

LGCM invites Rowan Williams to "listen" in Manchester

[17 October 2003 • England]

Statement from the Diocese of New Hampshire

[ACNS 3639 • 17 October 2003 • USA]

Press statements from Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and Archbishop Drexel Gomez

[ACNS 3638 • 17 October 2003 • Primates Meeting]

Statement from the Primates of Nigeria, Southeast Asia and Rwanda

[ACNS 3636 • 17 October 2003 • Primates Meeting]

What happened at the Primates Meeting? A guide for our ecumenical partners

[ACNS 3635 • 17 October 2003 • Anglican Communion Office]

American Anglican Council applauds bold stand of the mainstream Anglican Primates

[17 October 2003 • USA]

Statement from Anglican Mainstream International

[16 October 2003 • England]

Archbishop of Canterbury's statement at the final press conference of the Primates' Meeting

[ACNS 3634 • 16 October 2003 • England]

A Statement by the Primates of the Anglican Communion meeting in Lambeth Palace

[ACNS 3633 • 16 October 2003 • England] The Primates of the Anglican Communion and the Moderators of the United Churches, meeting together at Lambeth Palace on the 15th and 16th October, 2003, wish to express our gratitude to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, for calling us together in response to recent events in the Diocese of New Westminster, Canada, and the Episcopal Church (USA), and welcoming us into his home so that we might take counsel together, and to seek to discern, in an atmosphere of common prayer and worship, the will and guidance of the Holy Spirit for the common life of the thirty-eight provinces which constitute our Communion.

The Primates of the Anglican Communion meet at Lambeth Palace

[ACNS 3632 • 16 October 2003 • England • with photographs]

Parish in New Zealand creates Litany for the Primates Meeting 2003

[ACNS 3627 • 16 October 2003 • New Zealand]

Archbishop Robin Eames addresses the media at Lambeth Palace

[ACNS 3626 • 15 October 2003 • England]

LGCM pray for inclusive church

[15 October 2003 • England]

An open letter from Bishop Donald Harvey to the Primate and Metropolitans of the Anglican Church of Canada

[14 October 2003 • Australia]

Text of "Call to Action" issued by the American Anglican Council's "A Place to Stand" Conference in Texas

[ACNS 3617 • 10 October 2003 • USA]

An Open Letter from the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement to the Primates of the Anglican Communion

[9 October 2003 • England]

Presiding Bishop's statement on AAC meeting in Dallas

[ACNS 3616 • 9 October 2003 • USA]

A message to Canadian Anglicans From the Metropolitans of the Anglican Church of Canada

[9 October 2003 • Canada] Since the late 1960s our society and our church have been discerning how we might respond to the life of gay and lesbian persons in church and society. Their presence in our midst makes this more than a philosophical exercise. Their contributions to the common good of society and the mission of the Body of Christ make it more than a matter of tolerance.

Yukon bishop faces discipline; Same-sex blessing opponents 'outraged'

[ACNS 3615 • 9 October 2003 • Canada] The controversy in the diocese of New Westminster over whether to bless gay relationships took a grave turn on October 8 as Archbishop David Crawley moved to discipline the diocesan bishop of the Yukon, Terrence Buckle, for asserting "episcopal authority" over disaffected parishes in Vancouver-based diocese.

North Dakota Convention rejects Pittsburgh resolution

[7 October 2003 • USA]

Changing Attitude issues Global Open Letter

[ACNS 3612 • 7 October 2003 • England]

No welcome for observers at Texas meeting of conservatives

[ACNS 3611 • 7 October 2003 • USA]

Statement of His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper during the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit to Rome

[ACNS 3610 • 7 October 2003 • Europe]

Reconciliation Ministry inaugurated by Episcopal Divinity School

[ACNS 3605 • 6 October 2003 • USA]

Accountability and Unity - The Archbishop of Sydney responds to the Archbishop of Canterbury

[3 October 2003 • Australia]

Dioceses of Ft. Worth, Pittsburgh and South Carolina repudiate actions of General Convention

[3 October 2003 • USA]

American Anglican Council applauds Diocesan Special Conventions

[3 October 2003 • USA]

Lesbian and Gay Christians Announce New Venue for Conference Service in Manchester

[2 October 2003 • England]

Bishop of Florida Writes to the Archbishop of Canterbury

[1 October 2003 • USA]

Trinity Wall Street reassures African partners

[ACNS 3600 • 1 October 2003 • USA]

CAPA council closes with calls for greater ties

[ACNS 3598 • 1 October 2003 • Kenya]

Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury from the Rt Revd Jack Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth

[29 September 2003 • USA]

American Anglican Council and Christ Church announce soaring registration numbers for "A Place to Stand" gathering

[ACNS 3594 • 29 September 2003 • USA]

Diocese of Armidale responds to human sexuality issues

[28 September 2003 • Australia]

What Price Unity? Archbishop Robin Eames examines questions facing the Anglican Communion

[ACNS 3593 • 26 September 2003 • Ireland]

Archbishop Akinola attacks Archbishop Ndungane over "Gay Remarks"

[ACNS 3591 • 23 September 2003 • Nigeria]

Statement of the Synod of Bishops of the CPSA - A Response to the Divisions in the Anglican Communion around issues of Human Sexuality

[18 September 2003 • South Africa]

A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Church of Ireland

[10 September 2003 • Ireland]

Toronto same-sex blessing passes quietly

[Anglican Journal • 9 September 2003 • Canada] A Toronto parish has performed what may be the first public blessing of a same-sex marriage in Canada's largest diocese. Alison Kemper and Joyce Barnett, two Anglican deacons who have worked actively for the recognition of same-sex marriage, had their recent civil marriage formally blessed on Sept. 6 at Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity, a downtown parish with close ties to the city's gay and lesbian community.

Statement of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church in Rwanda on the recent actions of the 74th General Convention of ECUSA

[5 September 2003 • Rwanda]

Statement from the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Robin Eames, and the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill

[20 August 2003 • Ireland]

An Encyclical from the Primate of the Church of the Province of Central Africa

[19 August 2003 • Central Africa]

Statement of the Episcopal Church of Burundi concerning the election of Canon Gene Robinson

[14 August 2003 • Burundi]

ECUSA says "no" to same-sex liturgies but recognises local blessings

[ACNS 3543 • 7 August 2003 • USA]

US decision won't break Communion says Primate of Australia, Dr Peter Carnley

[7 August 2003 • Australia]

Statement from Dr Peter Jenson, Archbishop of Sydney, on the confirmation of Bishop-elect Gene Robinson

[7 August 2003 • Australia]

Press release from the Archbishop of the West Indies on the confirmation of the election of Canon Gene Robinson

[6 August 2003 • West Indies]

Statement of the Anglican Primate in Nigeria in response to Gene Robinson's confirmation as Bishop of New Hampshire

[6 August 2003 • Nigeria]

Archbishop of Canterbury - difficult days ahead

[6 August 2003 • Lambeth Palace]

Statement of Bishop of Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa regarding Gene Robinson

[6 August 2003 • USA]

Episcopal bishops give consent to consecration of Canon Gene Robinson

[ACNS 3538 • 5 August 2003 • USA]

Presiding Bishop's statement regarding the Bishop-elect of New Hampshire

[ACNS 3536 • 4 August 2003 • USA]

Episcopal deputies approve openly gay Bishop-elect

[ACNS 3535 • 3 August 2003 • USA]

Legislative Committee approves ratification of Canon Gene Robinson

[ACNS 3531 • 1 August 2003 • USA • with photograph]

Anglican leaders raise concerns regarding human sexuality issues; Archbishop of Cape Town responds

[ACNS 3522 • 24 July 2003 • USA]

Presiding Bishop of ECUSA writes to the Primates of the Anglican Communion

[ACNS 3519 • 22 July 2003 • USA]

Canon Jeffrey John's letter to the Reading Chronicle

[18 July 2003 • England]

An open letter to the concerned Primates of the Anglican Communion

[18 July 2003 • USA]

Uniting Church Assembly in Australia votes to accept homosexual ministers; Anglican Diocese of Sydney responds

[ACNS 3513 • 17 July 2003 • Australia]

Affirming Catholicism grieved at treatment of Jeffrey John and his partner

[17 July 2003 • England]

Synod challenged to dialogue by activist disruption

[ACNS 3504 • 12 July 2003 • England • with photograph]

Understanding UK Developments as Convention Nears: A Joint Statement from the Bishop of Pittsburgh and the Bishop of South Carolina

[9 July 2003 • USA]

Archbishop of Canterbury's response to Jeffrey John's withdrawal

[ACNS 3498 • 6 July 2003 • Lambeth Palace]

Canon Jeffrey John withdraws his acceptance of the appointment to the See of Reading

[ACNS 3497 • 6 July 2003 • England]

Issues of Human Sexuality arouse mixed reactions

[ACNS 3491 • 27 June 2003 • ACNS]

Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, The Most Revd Peter Carnley AO, on issues of human sexuality

[ACNS 3490 • 27 June 2003 • Australia]

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Michael Ingham to be read in all churches, at all services on Sunday 29 June 2003

[27 June 2003 • Canada] As you may know, several bishops and Primates from various parts of the world have expressed strong disagreement with the blessing of same-sex unions - to the point, in some cases, of declaring a state of “impaired communion” with the Diocese of New Westminster. This means that Anglicans in these dioceses are being prohibited by their bishop from receiving communion in our diocese, and we in theirs. Similar steps have been threatened by these same bishops against the Episcopal Church of the United States as well as the Church of England, where decisions have recently been made with which they also disagree. Let me assure you that our diocese remains in full communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Metropolitan of British Columbia and Yukon. We are members of the Canadian Church and of the worldwide Anglican Communion. These declarations by others should be viewed as expressions of anger and dissent, and while we regret their intensity you may be assured they will have no effect, legal or practical, on Anglicans here in our diocese.

Bishop Michael Ingham replies to same-sex blessing critics in Anglican Communion: You might exclude us - we still welcome you

[27 June 2003 • Canada] Anglicans in the Diocese of New Westminster will continue to support fellow Anglicans in northern Canada and overseas, despite the declaration by some bishops in these areas that relations are "impaired." "We shall not exclude or reject our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, whatever their personal convictions, and we wish to assure them that the doors of our churches remain open to all," stated Bishop Michael Ingham in a pastoral letter to be read in all 80 of the diocese's parishes on Sunday 29 June.

Statement from Anglican leaders meeting in Oxford

[26 June 2003 • England]

Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Anglican Dioceses of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo

[26 June 2003 • Brazil]

Statement issued by Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Southern Africa

[ACNS 3489 • 26 June 2003 • Southern Africa]

Encyclical to the Anglican membership in the Church of Nigeria

[ACNS 3486 • 25 June 2003 • Nigeria]

Archbishop of Canterbury's letter to the Bishops of the Church of England

[ACNS 3485 • 23 June 2003 • Anglican Communion Office]

Bishops from Sydney speak about the 'tragic disruption of fellowship in Anglican Communion

[23 June 2003 • Australia]

Statement from Bishop Thompson regarding Gene Robinson

[17 June 2003]

The Presiding Bishop of ECUSA writes to the bishops before General Convention

[ACNS 3478 • 16 June 2003 • USA]

Statement from the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia

[ACNS 3477 • 16 June 2003 • South East Asia]

General Theological Seminary Dean Congratulates Bishop-elect of New Hampshire

[13 June 2003 • USA]

Fourteen Primates have signed New Westminster Statement

[12 June 2003]

Statement by the Bishop of Washington on the election of Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire

[12 June 2003 • USA]

Statement by the Bishop of Oklahoma

[ACNS 3468 • 11 June 2003 • USA]

Prayers sent to Diocese of New Westminster from Taiwan

[11 June 2003 • Taiwan]

Bishop of Oxford defends nomination of Canon Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading

[9 June 2003 • England]

Statement of South Carolina Bishops on the Episcopal Election in New Hampshire

[9 June 2003 • USA]

Statement from the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia

[8 June 2003 • South East Asia]

Canon Gene Robinson elected Bishop Co-adjutor of New Hampshire

[ACNS 3462 • 7 June 2003 • USA • with photograph]

Press Statement from the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion

[4 June 2003 • Anglican Communion Office]

Official Diocese of New Westminster web site

[4 June 2003 • Canada]

[4 June 2003 • USA] Liturgy for same-sex blessings will be considered at ECUSA's General Convention

by Lucy Chumbley

Joint Statement from Archbishops Yong Ping Chung and Emmanuel Kolini

[2 June 2003]

Church of Nigeria cuts ties with the Diocese of New Westminster

[ACNS 3455 • 2 June 2003 • Nigeria]

Canadian Primate's statement on New Westminster approval of a rite for same-sex blessings

[29 May 2003 • Canada] Last year's decision by the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster to ask their bishop for a rite for the blessing of persons in committed, life-long, same-sex unions created an occasion for reflection and discernment among Anglicans in the diocese, in Canada, and throughout the Anglican Communion. That reflection and discernment has happened in a number of places, including the New Westminster synod itself, the Council of General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Canadian House of Bishops, the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates of the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop of Canterbury expresses sadness at New Westminster decision

[ACNS 3454 • 29 May 2003 • Lambeth Palace] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his sadness and disquiet at the move by the diocese of New Westminster in the Anglican Church of Canada to authorise services of blessings for same-sex unions in some parishes. "As the recent Primates' meeting made clear, the public liturgy of the Church expresses the mind of the Church on doctrinal matters and there is nothing approaching a consensus in support of same-sex unions. "In taking this action and ignoring the considerable reservations of the Church, repeatedly expressed and most recently by the Primates, the diocese has gone significantly further than the teaching of the Church or pastoral concern can justify and I very much regret the inevitable tension and division that will result from this development."

Rite of Blessing authorised in Diocese of New Westminster

[ACNS 3453 • 29 May 2003 • Canada] Clergy in six parishes within the Diocese of New Westminster have been authorised to perform a rite of blessing of committed same sex unions. In so doing, all provisions of the motion passed by Diocesan Synod in June, 2002, are now fulfilled. That motion (Motion 7) requested that Bishop Michael Ingham authorise a rite of blessing of homosexual couples. It was the third time the synod had by majority vote requested the rite. The bishop did not consent to the request in 1998 and 2001, but did consent last year.

Pastoral Letter from the Primates of the Anglican Communion

[ACNS 3450 • 27 May 2003 • Brazil] ... The question of public rites for the blessing of same sex unions is still a cause of potentially divisive controversy. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke for us all when he said that it is through liturgy that we express what we believe, and that there is no theological consensus about same sex unions. Therefore, we as a body cannot support the authorisation of such rites. This is distinct from the duty of pastoral care that is laid upon all Christians to respond with love and understanding to people of all sexual orientations. ...