Anglican Head Warns Divisions Hindering Wider Church Mission

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080728/anglican-head-warns-divisions-hindering-wider-church-mission.htm

[The Christian Post] 28 Jul 2008--The head of the Anglican Communion urged bishops in a Sunday sermon to resolve “internal tensions” and suggested that current rows over gay clergy and women bishops were hindering the Church’s wider mission.

Dr. Rowan Williams’ comments come mid-way through the Lambeth Conference – a gathering of the worldwide bishops of the Anglican Communion which takes place just once every ten years.
The conference has been marred by a large portion of conservative bishops boycotting in protest over the gay clergy issue.

There have already been clear indications of the tensions among delegates, with some bishops expressing their frustration that the conference still has not openly discussed the topic of sexuality within the Church.

In particular, Archbishop Gregory Venables from South America told the BBC that there was "frustration" that sexuality had yet to be discussed. The Archbishop, who is the senior Anglican bishop in South America, said there was "some suppressed anger" from people wanting to talk about a topic which he described as the "elephant in the living room."

"I think it's because we don't know how to approach it," he said.

"...suggested that current rows over gay clergy and women bishops were hindering the Church’s wider mission. A familiar liberal talking point.