Top U.K. Anglicans Boost Pressure on Episcopalians
Saturday, Jun. 17, 2006
Posted: 9:02:07AM EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Top British Anglican leaders are bringing new pressure on the Episcopal General Convention to enact a ban on electing gay bishops before the assembly ends next week.

If the legislative body fails to endorse a moratorium, the overseas bishops fear the divide in the global Anglican Communion over homosexuality will escalate to a full-blown schism.

Church of England Bishop N.T. Wright of Durham said in a statement being widely circulated at the meeting that prohibiting gay bishops — for now, anyway — is "the least that can be done that will restore the unity that has already been lost.

"The crisis erupted in 2003, when the Episcopalians consecrated New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who lives with his longtime male partner. The move shocked conservative Anglicans around the world, who believe gay sex violates Scripture. the rest