Regional Anglicans fear Jerusalem conference could 'inflame tensions'

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[The Jerusalem Post] 4 Jan 2008--Arab Anglican leaders are concerned the conference, known as GAFCON, could wreck the Anglican Church's carefully balanced position within Palestinian society and the Anglican Communion.

The Palestinian church is strongly opposed to gay or female clergy and follows the conservative tradition within Anglicanism. However, it receives financial support from American dioceses that are at the forefront of the gay rights movement. Highlighting the diocese's conservative position in the midst of the Anglican Communion's civil war over homosexuality could have immediate financial consequences, church leaders note.

In addition, the strong pro-Israel sentiments of the African and American bishops could have physical consequences for Anglicans living in the West Bank and Gaza, Jerusalem Anglican leaders fear.