New Episcopal Head May Cause Deeper Wounds
By Lillian Kwon
Christian Post Reporter
Fri, Nov. 10 2006

Ecumenical leaders expressed little optimism for the future of the Anglican Communion with the installment of the Episcopal Church's first woman head.

"Sadly, Bishop Jefferts Schori's investiture may exacerbate tensions already existing in the Anglican Communion, which is still deeply wounded as a result of [the Episcopal Church's] actions in consecrating an openly gay bishop and approving same-sex blessings as a local option subject to the approval of the diocesan bishop," stated Jim Tonkowich, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Jefferts Schori formally took office as presiding bishop of the U.S. Anglican body on Nov. 4, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The start of her nine-year term, however, was not a joyous occasion for all Anglicans. Several U.S. Anglican leaders will not acknowledge Jefferts Schori as head, and instead are seeking a new overseer from the global body. Her openness to ordaining homosexuals and blessing same-sex "marriage" has kept conservative leaders at odds with her.

"As bishop of a small diocese that failed to show any substantial growth in attendance, despite being located in the fastest growing state in the nation (Nevada), it is unclear how Schori is prepared to address the same problems taking place in the wider Episcopal Church from her new national office," noted Tonkowich. the rest