Anglican Leader To Be Pressed On Gay Bishop

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: May 24, 2007 - 7:00 pm ET

Marc Andrus, the bishop of California has been vocal in his support for Bishop Robinson and his opposition to Peter Akinola, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria and the leader of a conservative faction opposing gays. Akinola also has been a leader in promoting legislation in Nigeria limiting the civil rights of gays.

"I will be seeking to learn how I can best be in solidarity with Bishop Robinson, through prayerful action," said Bishop Andrus this week.

"The tactic of isolation and exile being employed against Bishop Robinson is retrogressive behavior that moves us towards a past from which Christ is always seeking to redeem us. I ask the people of the Diocese of California to pray with me about our common life with all of God's people and the earth."

Next month Andrus will welcome openly gay Nigerian human rights activist Davis Mac-Illya to San Francisco, and they will march together with the church's contingent in the Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade.

"This is a defining moment for The Episcopal Church," says the Rev. John Kirkley, president of the California dioceses' gay and lesbian ministry.

"Our bishops must refuse to capitulate to those for whom the exclusion of gay and lesbian people is the criteria for membership in the Anglican Communion. My hope is that they will find a creative way to respond to Archbishop Williams that actually honors our Church's commitment to listen to the voices of lesbian and gay people around the world."

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