“If we – if I – had felt that we could do perfectly well without you, there wouldn't be a problem,” Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams told The Episcopal Church’s 76th General Convention in Anaheim, California.
“But the bonds of relationship are deep, for me personally as for many others. And I'm tempted to adapt what St Paul says to the Corinthians in the middle of a set of tensions no less bitter than what we have been living through and in the wake of challenges from St Paul a good deal more savage than even the sharpest words from Primates or Councils: 'Why? Because we do not love you? God knows we do.'”
Since the election of The Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop in 2003, relations between the US Anglican arm and the rest of the worldwide Anglican Communion have been strained to the point of tearing.
While adherents of the Christian faith have historically taught that homosexuality is a sin according to Scripture, liberal believers say biblical teachings on inclusiveness should take precedence and nullify any such teachings against homosexuality.
Conservative Christians, meanwhile, hold onto the belief that homosexuals should not be allowed to hold positions of leadership within the Church. They also feel that the Church should not bless homosexual relationships, as this would be tantamount to blessing a sinful act.
In his meditation last Sunday, Dr Williams confessed that he was filled with both hopes and anxieties in coming to this year’s General Convention.
Episcopal leaders at the convention, which takes place every three years, will be considering a number of resolutions that centre around the hotly debated issue of homosexuality.
One new resolution that will be introduced and debated at this year’s General Convention seeks to extend a key marriage ritual to gay and lesbian couples. Another calls on the General Convention to change references in The Episcopal Church's canon laws on marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two adults".
