Episcopal Head Issues Statement Ahead of Crucial September Gathering

As Anglican leaders prepare to gather with the American Episcopal arm of the Church in mid-September to resolve the conservative-liberal divide over homosexuality in the Church, the U.S. Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop has issued a statement of clarification on the upcoming meeting.

"I have become aware of a great deal of speculation regarding a meeting that will take place in New York in mid-September," said Bishop Frank T. Griswold in his statement released Tuesday.

Following the Anglican Communion Network's annual council meeting earlier this month where conservative Anglican leaders appealed for an "alternative primatial oversight" in opposition to the Episcopal Church’s stance on homosexuality, next month's summit will address the difficulty of responding to the appeal.

Calling the upcoming meeting "an opportunity for those of differing perspectives to come together in a spirit of mutual respect to exchange views," Griswold offered a few clarifying words on how the gathering was scheduled.