Akinola: Anglicans must not sacrifice Bible for unity

August 24, 2007

ABUJA, Nigeria --Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, a leader of Bible traditionalists in the Anglican world, says the "the moment of decision is almost upon us" about whether Anglican conservatives and liberals can stay together.

In a statement Monday, Akinola said that theological conservatives cannot stand by as the U.S. Episcopal Church -- the Anglican body in the U.S. -- and the Anglican Church of Canada move toward full acceptance of gay relationships.

"We earnestly desire the healing of our beloved communion but not at the cost of rewriting the Bible to accommodate the latest cultural trend," Akinola said. "We cannot turn away from the source of life and love for a temporary truce."

Conservatives believe the Bible bars same-sex relationships. Liberals believe that the overarching message of Scripture is full acceptance for all people.

In 2003, Episcopalians consecrated the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. In Canada, the Diocese of New Westminster approved blessing ceremonies in 2002 for same-gender partners. And in June of this year, the Canadian church passed a resolution stating that the ceremonies do "not conflict with the doctrine" of the church. Canon lawyers are trying to determine whether that measure, in fact, gives approval for the ceremonies churchwide.

The U.S. church has apologized repeatedly for not fully consulting with other Anglicans before consecrating Robinson, but has not apologized for electing him.

The communion's spiritual leader, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, is scheduled to meet with the Episcopal House of Bishops in New Orleans next month.

At that gathering, the U.S. bishops must respond to demands from Anglican leaders that they unequivocally pledge by Sept. 30 not to consecrate another openly gay bishop or risk losing their full membership in the communion.

AP