A turning point for Anglicans

The consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire is causing deep ruptures within the world-wide Anglican Communion

The consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire is causing deep ruptures within the world-wide Anglican Communion. His consecration also presents a more difficult task for the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Eames, who has been invited to chair an international commission on difference and the episcopate.

The commission's possible topics of discussion have been aired before it meets, and any recommendations it might make have been pre-empted by Anglicans taking mutually exclusive and entrenched positions.

It is part of the culture of the Episcopal Church to take brave or foolish steps it regards as prophetic without worrying about the wider church. This happened with the first ordinations of women to the priesthood almost 30 years ago, but the prophetic wisdom of that decision is now accepted throughout the Anglican Communion. It happened again with the consecration of Barbara Harris as a bishop 14 years ago, but once again it proved to be a wise and prophetic move. Is the consecration of Bishop Robinson going to overcome initial opposition and criticism in similar ways, or has it created an irreparable schism within Anglicanism? And which side of the debate will the Church of Ireland find itself on?

Gene Robinson may not be the ideal person to be the first non-celibate gay priest to be elected a bishop. Bishops must be a focus of unity in the church and a man who has left his wife for another partner, whether or not he is gay, can hardly provide that focus of unity. Many African church leaders are taking a stand that must be accepted as principled, for it will prove costly because of their dependence on funding and support from dioceses and agencies in the older churches. But those who claim the new bishop cannot teach or pass on many of the inherited moral values of Christianity must accept that the Church also has a duty, by its actions as well as its words, to teach tolerance and inclusivity and to challenge discrimination and prejudice.

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Appeals to the Bible in objecting to the choice of Bishop Robinson and in threatening schism are not convincing. The Gospels show Jesus had nothing to say about homosexuality; seeking justification from Leviticus in the Old Testament would leave adulterers being stoned to this day; and arguments from the Pauline Epistles would leave slaves in bondage to their masters. There have been gay bishops in the past: some have been celibate, others have lied about or concealed their lifestyle. Gene Robinson should not be excoriated for his honesty, and the Episcopal Church should not be condemned for choosing a bishop for his skills, abilities and learning.

Meanwhile, the Church of Ireland must soon decide how to respond to the challenges. Its constitution prevents it from breaking "Communion with the sister Church of England" or perhaps even with the Episcopal Church. The Irish bishops, who are deeply divided, will soon come under pressure to speak out.