If being a priest is regarded as a profession and becoming a Bishop is a promotion, then the homophobia and sexism displayed by the Church of England must contravene all known human rights charters. I am hoping the day will come when a religious body is dragged through the European Court of Human Rights for passing over the promotion of a gay priest. Marc Snaith, Milton Keynes

There is a vast difference between love and acceptance on one hand, and sanction and sanctification on the other. Homosexuals have every right to expect love and acceptance in the Christian church. But for the church to sanction and make holy a life lived in what is considered grave sin leads only to confusion, division, and weakening of whatever moral authority is left to it. Virginia Richard, USA

As an Episcopal priest living in a thirty year partnered relationship with another Episcopal priest, denied a civil union or marriage benefits by the Episcopal Church (USA) I must respond to the Anglican Primates communique of 25 February 2005 by stating that I believe that making peace with bigotry (those who have condemned the actions of both the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada in extending the episcopate to an openly gay man and the blessing of same-gender relationships and unions), to preserve the unity of the Anglican Communion is not only not a virtue, but also unethical and should be totally rejected. Robert Semes, Oregon, USA

As a life-long member of the American Episcopal Church, I would deeply regret any break within the Anglican Communion, especially one stemming from the issue of homosexuality. I feel the American Episcopal Church acted unwisely and prematurely. To punish its members by expelling them from the Anglican Communion would be painful. Many of us are neither harshly conservative nor liberal on this issue. We are moderate, and we are prayerfully seeking a solution that allows all parties a place to stand with integrity. Anne Marie, Richmond, USA

At a personal level, someone who has a faith in Christ must examine their beliefs and actions against their understanding of Jesus himself. Of course, such is the nature of man that this produces an inconsistent result in matters such as homosexuality. I am not a theologian but my reaction is that while we have to be sensitive, caring and tolerant where same-sex partners are concerned, it is not the natural state and great care should be exercised when installing homosexuals into positions of influence and authority. This is in no way a homophobic view neither does it suggest that Gays are lesser people than anyone else. I am not a passionately religious man but I do believe that while Jesus would have enfolded His arms around people of all sexual persuasions, He would have emphasised that the example and teaching of the Christian community is one based on the union of a man and a woman. Keith Downer, London

I just wonder if these bishops who voted for the withdrawal of the US and Canadian churches will continue to expect the financial and other support from their US and Canadian companion dioceses? Yet I imagine any cut off of monetary support would be followed with cries of racism. I am angry that I am expected to allow others to relegate me to second class status as a gay man, when I have no more choice over my sexuality than my gender or race. The same Biblical logic used for anti-homosexual bias was used against black people in the past, and it amazes me that the formerly oppressed now become the oppressors. When will these leaders come to their senses? Scott King, Iowa City, USA

I cannot under any condition support the consecration of a gay bishop - this is pure madness and preposterous to say the least. The church must cleanse itself of such actions. The bishop in question must be asked to retire and vacate his post, for the sake of sanity and the continued sancity of the church as we know it. Wilfred Dalrymple, Dominican Republic

As an agnostic outsider, albeit one raised in the High Anglican tradition of the church, I despair. The church should be concentrating on important issues such as poverty, not wasting its energies on internecine fighting. It is time for both sides to accept that the other may do as it wishes within its own sphere of influence whilst at the same time being as accepting of difference as Christ himself was. Sheila Topham, London

If Jesus were alive today he'd be apalled by the bigotry and hate of these conservative bishops. How dare they call themselves Christians. A split between liberals and these fundamentalist losers is the best thing that could happen! George Nimmo, London

I am deeply sorry to see the split. I have been an Anglican for years and I have always been praying for the unity of the church worldwide. Nonetheless, it is written in the Scripture: "Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (Corinthians 6:8-10). The Church must not tolerate this sin. If the US church wants to have sin within their church, our Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Community must excommunicate them, not simply ask them to "voluntarily withdraw". I pray that they may convert themselves to the true faith by the next General Synod. Franklin Lee, Boston

I regret the action taken. Dialogue between the two factions is necessary. As a member of a group that supports gay and lesbian christians (Safety Net), I am sure my many gay and lesbian friends are equally dismayed. Gay and lesbian bishops can only be a power of good for the church as a whole. The church should embrace diversity and preach that we be Christian to one another. Pete Leahy, Belper