New Zealand: Gay-supporting bishop could split Anglicans
The Press
Monday, 25 February 2008

A Canadian woman bishop who has signalled support for blessing gay marriages is being confirmed as Christchurch's new Anglican bishop.

The move is likely to stir controversy among many Anglicans and there is still a chance that Victoria Matthews' appointment could be vetoed by the general synod, which incudes representatives from Polynesia.

Church sources said yesterday that Dr Matthews, a former bishop of Edmonton, was two-thirds of the way through the ratification process.

News of her election was leaked on the Internet on Friday. Church leaders refused to confirm the report yesterday but the Archbishop of Aotearoa, David Moxon, said it was "disappointing" someone had leaked the name of the candidate in what was supposed to be a top-secret process. the rest