The most powerful leader of evangelical Anglicans worldwide has issued a last-minute plea to the US Episcopal bishops over their pro-gay liberal agenda, to save the Church from schism.

The Archbishop and Primate of Nigeria, Dr Peter Akinola, was speaking to The Times as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, met US bishops in New Orleans in a last-ditch attempt to avert a split.

Dr Akinola, who heads the Global South group of Anglican provinces from Asia, Africa and Latin America, said the Anglican Church worldwide was in a state of “broken communion”.

He said the crisis arose from the “intransigence and obstinacy” of The Episcopal Church in the US, which had pursued a liberal line on same-sex blessings and the consecration in 2003 of the openly gay bishop Gene Robinson. “They were warned not to do this,” he said. “Now province after province has declared a state of broken communion with them.”

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BACKGROUND

• Gay weddings flourish in a religious stronghold

• Pope to discuss influx of Anglicans

• US Church pledges not to consecrate gay bishops

• Bishop defects to Catholic Church in gay row

BACKGROUND

• Pro-gay agenda pushes Church closer to schism

• Archbishop of Canterbury's 'secret gay communion'

• Archbishop faces clash over gay marriages of 50 priests

Dr Akinola, who has consecrated a number of bishops to serve African congregations in the US, denied speculation that he had plans to consecrate a missionary bishop for England. He said Nigerians in England were well-served by a chaplain here, under the care of the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres.

Dr Akinolasaid: “It is still hoped that somehow the good Lord will save His Church from further fragmentation. We are praying for Dr Williams. We are still full of hope. Remember that we are Christians. If we lose hope, then everything is gone.”