African Anglicans "Saddened" by USA Episcopal Church Actions

One of the Anglican Communion’s most outspoken voices against homosexuality said the churches in Africa were "saddened" that delegates meeting for the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. seemed unable to embrace the essential recommendations necessary for the healing of divisions within the worldwide church network.

In a letter written on behalf of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), the Most Rev Peter Akinola told the Episcopal Church that the primates of the CAPA “have followed with great interest” their triennial meeting last week in Columbus, Ohio.

He commetned that they have “earnestly prayed” for the development of U.S. church’s response to The Windsor Report – a 2004 document in which Anglicans asked the Episcopal Church for the prohibition on homosexual bishops, a temporary ban on developing official prayers for blessing same-sex couples, and an apology for the turmoil caused by the consecration of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop in 2003.

“We have observed the commitment shown by your church to the full participation of people in same gender sexual relationships in civic life, church life and leadership,” Akinola wrote.