Episcopal bishops reject ultimatum from Anglican leaders
March 21, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- Episcopal bishops meeting privately in Texas have rejected demands from the world's Anglicans that they provide an alternate leader for conservatives who oppose ordaining gays -- a move that brings the church to the brink of expulsion from the Anglican Communion.

direct language yet defending their support for gay relationships, the bishops said that accepting a second leader for traditionalists would violate Episcopal church law and the founding principles of the church.

"We cannot accept what would be injurious to the church and could well lead to its permanent division," the bishops said in the resolution. the rest