Archbishop Rowan Williams condemned over gay issue-by Gene Robinson

The Anglican Communion's first gay bishop has criticised the Archbishop of Canterbury for the controversy surrounding his appointment.

American Bishop Gene Robinson said he believed that God would be "very disappointed" with Dr Rowan Williams for his unwillingness to confront negative statements made by some of Bishop Robinson's opponents within the Anglican church. The bishop claimed Dr Williams had failed to be even-handed and crack down enough on the language used by his opponents.

He was elected Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003, becoming the Anglican Communion's first openly gay bishop.

His appointment has caused great friction within the church, attracting particular criticism from Peter Akinola who leads 37 million Anglicans as chairman of the Anglican Church in Africa.

Appearing on BBC's HARDtalk programme, the bishop was asked why he thought Dr Williams had not held to account Mr Akinola and "others who have used such dramatic language against you personally?"

Bishop Robinson replied: "Well, you would have to ask him that - and I think he will have to answer to God about that." the rest