Archbishop calls for end to Anglican tensions
The archbishop of Canterbury has called for unity within the communion
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Sunday, 27, Jul 2008 03:29
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has called on the Anglican church to maintain unity in order to continue achieving its goals.
Speaking at the Lambeth conference of Anglican bishops, the senior clergyman said public disagreements reflected poorly on the church and prevented it from spreading the religion.
Hundreds of bishops have boycotted the meeting in protest against the consecration of gay bishop Gene Robinson. The organisation of a parallel summit, Global Anglican Future Conference taking place in Jerusalem, raised fears over a possible split within the Anglican community.
In comments cited by the BBC, Dr Williams told delegates: "Churches that are divided and fearful and inward-looking don't easily give that message; and our Anglican family badly needs to find some ways of resolving its internal tensions that will set it free to be more confidently what God wants it to be.
"Part of our agenda at this conference is to do with this," he added.
The clergyman also emphasised that internal disagreements must be resolved as religion should provide solace to those in difficult situations and create an atmosphere where people feel welcome.
One of the most senior members of the church to boycott the Lambeth meeting is Bishop of Rochester Michael Nazir-Ali. He has called on the church to take a firmer stance against homosexuality.