The archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual head of 77 million Anglicans worldwide, has not invited two wayward bishops to a major conference next year, a move likely to stir controversy in the deeply divided communion.

Archbishop Rowan Williams has sent invitations to more than 800 Anglican bishops asking them to attend the Lambeth Conference in London in July and August 2008, but has not invited two American bishops -- Gene Robinson and Martyn Minns.

Robinson has caused division since he was consecrated as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003, becoming the Anglican Church's first openly gay bishop.

Minns, a deeply conservative Episcopalian, was installed last year as the head of a new Nigerian-based church branch in the United States designed as a refuge for orthodox believers. The Anglican Communion does not recognize his position.

"I have to reserve the right to withhold or withdraw invitations from bishops whose appointment, actions or manner of life have caused exceptionally serious division or scandal within the Communion," Williams wrote in his invitations, which were sent out on Tuesday.

It is inaccurate to describe Martyn Minns as "deeply" conservative for the record, and note that there is no similar adjective for Gene Robinson. Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Lambeth 2008

1. robroy wrote: “The Anglican Communion does not recognize his position.” Where did they pull this out of? May 22, 10:07 am | [comment link]

2. PadreWayne wrote: Good question, robroy. ++Cantuar has succeeded in insulting both the American and Nigerian churches. Who would have thought that possible?!? I suggest they all stay home and care for the poor. May 22, 10:27 am | [comment link]

3. TheBeat wrote: I doubt if Martyn Minns was expecting an invitation to Lambeth. May 22, 12:18 pm | [comment link]

4. Doug Martin wrote: I believe the adjectives of record for Gene Robinson are “openly” and “gay”.  I suppose it is possible to be both “deeply conservative” and “openly gay”, witness the Log Cabin Republicans on the secular side, but Martin Minns wouldn’t be happy with it.  One has to surnmise, I think, that if one removes one’s church from the the Anglican church of record in the United States, one must have some sort of “deep” feelings on the matter, and he certainly does not err to the liberal side of the argument.  From my perspective it is good to see both sides get the attention they deserve from Archbishop Williams.  The Primates Communique was clear in both directions and, for now at least, The Episcopal Church is the sole agent of the Anglican Communion in the United States. May 22, 1:40 pm | [comment link]

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