English bishop threatens conference boycott over gays

The Church of England's war of words over the ordination of a gay bishop has been reignited by the Bishop of Rochester, who has indicated he may boycott a meeting of senior Anglican leaders next year.

The Lambeth conference, held every ten years, has been a focus of discontent from traditionalists angry over the Church's stance over gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex relationships.

Michael Nazir-Ali, who is an evangelical Christian, has said he would "find it difficult" to attend the conference if senior US clergy to consecrated openly gay bishop Gene Robinson were there.

"My difficulty at the moment is not with a particular person, such as Gene Robinson, but with those who felt it right to approve and to officiate at his ordination," Bishop Nazir-Ali told The Telegraph.

"Unless they are willing to say that what they did was contrary to the Gospel, and we all of us from time to time need to repent about what we have done wrong, I would find it very difficult to be with them in a council of bishops."

Nazir-Ali also accused the American Anglican clergy of turning to aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism and not having proper regard for the Bible. English bishop threatens conference boycott over gays
PinkNews.co.uk, UK