Archbishop’s role queried after service

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/12/05/archbishops-role-queried-after-gay-service/

[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Dec 2007--The Church of England Newspaper reports that last week’s meeting between the Archbishop of Canterbury and gay Christians has been criticised by conservative evangelicals. At the meeting Dr Williams encouraged gay Christians to continue to engage with their opponents in the ongoing row over sexuality.The Archbishop presided at a service of the Eucharist for members of the Clergy Consultation, a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and intersex priests in the Church of England.

Evangelical groups raised their concerns over the meeting. “Every occasion for listening pastorally to people is to be welcomed,” they said. “However, the Holy Communion is a fundamental symbol of fellowship and an expression of our unity in Christ. Since the Archbishop has apparently proceeded with this service, this makes it more likely thathe will become a focus of division,” said the statement issued by the Church of England Evangelical Council and Anglican Mainstream.