Boston Globe, United States

Friday, September 21, 2007

Episcopal leader pushes for a compromise on gay rights

(AP Photo/Judi Bottoni)

Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican spiritual
leader, spoke to reporters today in New Orleans.

By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff

NEW ORLEANS — Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said today that
the breakup of the Anglican Communion would mark an unacceptable
"failure" and that he believes compromise is possible between opposing
factions over gay rights.

After a tense morning of meetings, at which an Egyptian bishop said
some Anglicans now view the Episcopal Church as "a different
religion," Williams acknowledged that "temperatures are very high" in
the 77-million member global Anglican Communion. But he sought to tamp
down talk of an imminent schism, saying that "despite what has been
claimed, there is no ultimatum" facing the Episcopal Church.

Williams also urged unhappy conservative Episcopalians to try to stay
in the church and said that the recent trend of African Anglican
leaders consecrating American priests as African bishops constitutes
"foreign incursions" in the United States and "make it more difficult
to find solutions.”

Williams spoke to the media after a day and a half of talks with about
159 Episcopal bishops who have gathered here for their semi-annual
meeting. After the press conference and a lunch, Williams departed for
Armenia; he said that next week, after the Episcopal bishops wrap up
their meeting, he would review what actions they take in response to
criticism from conservatives before deciding how to proceed.

Posted by the Boston Globe City & Region Desk at 03:43 PM