Church factions keep their frenemies close

Those divisions at Canterbury keep on coming, but at least someone's working things out
July 23, 2008

The spat between the Sudanese and the Americans has added a new meaning to the word "frenemy". A few weeks ago the Africans enjoyed the hospitality of the Salisbury diocese with - wait for it - members of the US Episcopal church.

Fast-forward to Lambeth and it is mitres at dawn - well, from the Sudanese, anyway.

But what will happen on Saturday, at a cheese and wine party the Africans have been invited to? Will there be razors in the Roquefort? Bleach in the Burgundy?

And those divisions at Canterbury keep on coming. First there were flying bishops, then super bishops, and now there are secret bishops. Organisers will confirm how many bishops have registered but, unlike at previous conferences, will not name them. "Unspecified security reasons" prevent the release of their identities. the rest