Gay bishop due to be consecrated
Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames has been appointed chairman of an international commission tasked with preserving the future of the Anglican Communion.
The move was revealed as the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Church was due to be consecrated tonight in a move that threatens a worldwide split.
Up to 4,000 people, including 50 American bishops, were expected to attend the consecration in America of Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire.
His supporters believe it is a historic move towards creating a more inclusive church but opponents plan to raise objections during the service.
Dr Eames said the consecration posed a serious threat to the unity of the church.
“Time alone will tell what the reaction is across the Anglican Communion to this consecration. I suppose we have to be patient and wait and see what various churches will do and what their attitude will be to it.”
He said speculation about a major split was widespread.
“We have to face up to it that there are very big divisions over this issue.”
