ARCHBISHOP IN MAKE-OR-BREAK MEETING FOR ANGLICANS

The Archbishop of Canterbury is in the midst of last-ditch efforts to pull the 77 million-strong Anglican Communion back from the biggest split in its history. Dr Rowan Williams is taking two days in New Orleans to persuade the American House of Bishops to give three guarantees on issues related to homosexuality. The US leaders are being asked not to permit the election of any more openly gay bishops; not to authorise blessing services for same-sex couples; and to make arrangements for more conservative congregations to receive separate oversight from like-minded bishops. The Americans have so far been reluctant to make big concessions while a number of African provinces have begun consecrating conservative bishops to serve disaffected US congregations. A decision is expected on Monday.
Sources: The Guardian (20/9); Daily Telegraph (20/9); The Times (21/9)