Gay bishop accuses church leaders of mistake over invitation snub

· Archbishop's position is untenable, says Robinson
· Supporters describe bar as pandering to homophobia
Riazat Butt religious affairs correspondent
The Guardian
Monday July 14, 2008

The first openly gay Anglican bishop yesterday described the decision to bar him from a church leaders' conference as a "mistake".

The Right Rev Gene Robinson, whose consecration in 2003 and relationship with another man, Mark Andrews, has pushed the Anglican communion to the brink of schism, said he sympathised with the Archbishop of Canterbury's position, but added that the lack of an invitation meant the Lambeth conference would not benefit from the presence of a gay voice.

Due to start on Wednesday with the arrival of about 650 bishops, the 10-yearly meeting comes as the Anglican communion continues to disintegrate over the issue of homosexuality and women clergy.

Despite the snub, Robinson will be in Canterbury throughout the conference. the rest

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