Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Gay bishop won't attend conference

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-bishop11mar11,1,7286324.story

[Los Angelos Times] 11 Mar 2008--The Episcopal Church's only openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, said Monday that he would not attend a global gathering of Anglicans in London this summer, telling fellow Episcopal leaders he had declined an offer that he said would not have allowed him to play any meaningful role at that meeting.

Robinson, who is attending a retreat this week in Texas with other Episcopal bishops, told the group he had decided not to attend the Lambeth Conference, after negotiations for him to participate or be granted official observer status had failed. His remarks were released by the Episcopal Church late Monday.

The Lambeth Conference is a once-a-decade gathering of leaders of the Anglican Communion, the world's third- largest Christian denomination. It is hosted by the archbishop of Canterbury, currently the Most Rev. Rowan Williams.

The Episcopal Church, the U.S. branch of Anglicanism, sparked an uproar in 2003 when it consecrated Robinson as bishop.

The idea of an official role for Robinson at the conference had fueled tensions between the U.S. church and Anglicans overseas.

Related article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1051271020080311
U.S. gay bishop not welcome at meeting: Anglicans - Reuters
http://www.queerty.com/robinson-refuses-lambeth-compromise-20080311/
Robinson Refuses Lambeth Compromise - Queerty
http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/bishops/episcopal_news_service_the_hou.html
Full invitation for Robinson "not possible" - Episcopal Cafe

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