Archbishop Aspinall: Aussies unaffected by Anglican 'split'

July 7, 2008 - 6:20AM

The head of the Australian Anglican Church says it will not be unaffected by the divisive row engulfing the worldwide communion, in which a dispute over homosexuality and women bishops has led to talk of a schism.

Debate over the ordination of women and the acceptance of homosexuality has led to the formation of a breakaway group of 300 conservative bishops who do not recognise the authority of the Anglican leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The conservatives, who had stated their intentions to go their own way while at the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Jerusalem last month, include Sydney Anglican leader Dr Peter Jensen.

Archbishop Dr Phillip Aspinall on Sunday said he was saddened by the formation of the breakaway group, but said it did not amount to a schism in the church. the rest