Gay issue puts Anglican unity at risk, says Carey

 — Sept. 17, 200217 sept. 2002

The retiring archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, yesterday warned of the risk of fragmentation in the 70 million-strong worldwide Anglican communion, of which he is the nominal leader, on the issue of homosexuality in the church.

Speaking at a meeting of the Anglican consultative council in Hong Kong, Dr Carey attacked liberal North American dioceses for threatening “internal disorderliness” by flouting the church’s position on sexual issues, agreed at the Lambeth conference four years ago.

Traditionalist clergy, particularly some African bishops, have been outraged by moves by some church leaders in Canada and the US to consecrate same-sex marriages.

Some fundamentalists and evangelicals are concerned that Dr Carey’s successor, Rowan Williams, appointed in July, has been more supportive of gay believers.

Dr Carey said: “My concern is that our communion is being steadily undermined by the decisions of national bishops taking unilateral action… usually in matters to do with sexuality, and, as a result, steadily driving us towards serious fragmentation and the real possibility of two, or more likely many, more distinct Anglican bodies emerging.” He said there was little sign of willingness on the part of some bishops to discourage conscientious clergy from leaving the church over doctrinal disagreements.

Posted: Sept. 17, 2002 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=12773
Categories: News • In this article: Anglican Communion, Anglican Consultative Council, Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, human sexuality, same-sex blessing Transmis : 17 sept. 2002 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=12773
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Anglican Communion, Anglican Consultative Council, Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, human sexuality, same-sex blessing