Anglican Church in crisis talks to avert schism
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent, in New Orleans
20/09/2007

The fate of the world's third largest Christian Church is hanging in the balance after the Archbishop of Canterbury began crisis talks American liberals in a last-ditch effort to avert schism.

Dr Rowan Williams has two days to persuade the American House of Bishops in New Orleans to row back on its pro-gay agenda or face the biggest crisis in Anglican history.

He is under huge pressure from conservative leaders to oust the Americans if they refuse to agree to halt the consecration of gay bishops and the blessing of same-sex "marriages".

The Archbishop has told friends of his fears that the 77 million strong Anglican Communion could split into bitterly antagonistic rival Churches if he fails to hammer out a compromise over the next few days. the rest