2 US Bishops Consecrated in Kenya as Conservatives Continue to Press For Schism

NAIROBI, Kenya  — More than a century ago, Western missionaries began streaming into Africa looking for souls in need of salvation. Now, conservative American priests say it's their church that needs saving.

On Thursday, two U.S. priests were consecrated as Anglican bishops in Kenya, the latest in a string of priests who are defecting to African congregations because of the American church's liberal stance on gays.

"The West used to send missionaries to Africa and the Third World," said Kenyan Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi as he consecrated Bill Atwood and William Murdoch. "But now the Third World is sending its missionaries to the West."

Atwood and Murdoch left the Episcopal Church, the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, because it allows the ordination of gay priests. As Kenyan bishops, the men will return to their homes — Atwood to Texas and Murdoch to Massachusetts — to minister to 32 congregations under Nzimbi's jurisdiction.

The issue has heightened significance for Murdoch, whose brother is a gay priest in Massachusetts. After his consecration Thursday, Murdoch said: "My brother and I love each other and we always will .... The difference of opinion we have regarding this issue will not distract us."

2 US Bishops Consecrated in Kenya
The Associated Press -