hmmm... human beings as we are, the more we allow concessions, the greater the distortion from the truth.

Joe, Sydney,

Thanks be to God for the witnesses of Bishop Robinson and the Episcopal Church. It is only through means such as this that the historically-inaccurate fundamentalist interpretation of all the Scripture can be addressed. In issue after issue, when the human prejudices that have accrued over time and distorted our understanding of Scripture have been cast aside, we see the true Gospel message of love come shining through -- witness the (previous) exclusions of indigenous peoples, people of colour, women, even left-handed people were prohibited from full church life at one point! God is the God of Love. Archbishop Tutu says it best: "If God, as they say, is homophobic, I wouldn't worship that God."

Mark, Surrey,

>> No where in the Gospel is a committed relationship between two persons of the same sex proscribed. <<

Christ Himself said that God ordained marriage is to be between male and female - a man and a woman. Matthew 19:4-6 -- referring all the way back to Genesis.

Bruce, USA,

Sadly, the Pope's visit to the USA puts in perspective the absurdly self-important ECUSA and that inadequate woman at its helm. Not a patch on its former self, it's become a politically-correct sect, obsessed with gay rights, women's rights (hence its under-qualified, schismatic Primate), black rights and social action - and in doing so has lost all credibility. That it's now falling asunder is no bad thing if it can reinvent itself as a Church rather than a liberal society.

Marcus Stewart, Oxford,

It would seem that bishop Gene puts his own self-promotion some way ahead of the needs of the organisation to which he supposedly belongs. If I was a faithful son of that church and I was the cause of all this sort of misery and contention, I would resign, whether I was in the right or wrong, because no good cause can be advanced like this. Surely that is what anyone other than the most self-serving would do?

And, can anyone imagine any honest bishop, however liberal, sueing churchgoers out of the churches they built, and then putting the building up for sale? Wouldn't one rather resign than do such a thing?

One qualification on the GAFCON business; as I understand it, many of those bishops who decided not to attend and to go to GAFCON were given an ultimatum by the Anglican Communion officials. Several had asked that Lambeth be deferred, rather than be forced to make a choice. I am told that those responsible for organising Lambeth wanted to force the issue; and succeeded

Roger, Ipswich,

The witness of Gene Robinson is not an "issue of gay sex." The issue is the acceptance and support by the Church of ministers who happen not to be heterosexual. The church has long been served by people who fall into this category; it is time that we let go of the hypocracy that has kept them "in the closet." If I'm not mistaken, Jesus had something to say against religious hypocracy and nothing at all to say about sexual identity. Sexuality is celebrated as God's good gift to humanity solely within the context of a committed relationship between two people because we see this as the best way to fulfill the commandment to love God and our neighbor to the best of our ability. No where in the Gospel is a committed relationship between two persons of the same sex proscribed. Over the long run church membership can only increase as we become less hypocritical and get on with the true message of the Gospel of Christ: God's healing love. Without this the Church is not worth preserving.

Trish Cunningham, Greenwich,, USA, CT

What Scripture has called sin for 4500 years is no longer to be considered sin. Not because the Word of God has changed, but simply because modern fallen culture doesn't want it to be sin anymore. And the church equivocates - preaching powerless prose - not The Word - because it fears Man rather God

Bruce, USA,

Oh dear! So much wrong-headed biblical literalism in the recent posts below form Nigeria and the US. Always pointing to the same old mis-interpreted snippets of scripture. Posts full of judgement and lacking in love. Shame on all of you conservative fundamentalists.

Gareth Morgan, London,

It is precisely these attitudes that made me leave the church and lose faith in any supernatural GOD. But not before I had carefully studied the Bible and come to the conclusion that it certainly does not condemn homosexuality. As a strait person, I detest this homophobia.

Elizabeth, London, UK

Excellent news. Homophobia must always be challenged, particularly when based on outdated and culture-bound religionist opinion.

Mike Homfray, Liverpool,

As a traditional Episcopalian, I do not accept the current Presiding Bishop, Dr Katherine Jefferts Schori. Dr Schori is too Liberal as is Rowan Williams. As for this ' Bishop ', sorry, just another Queen looking for the fifteen minutes.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

My view is that the Anglican/Episcopal church is being destroyed by people who choose their agenda, not only over the bible, but basic common sense. We are being taught that what was once considered to be sodomy is now an acceptable relationship. What was once considered to be unnatural is now natural.

If Jesus were to come to the earth today, In my heart, I believe that if two men or two women were to stand before Him and ask Him to bless their marriage, He would not.

While on the subject of Jesus returning. If a woman were to ask Him if it would be alright to kill her unborn infant, He wouldn't bless that action either. But today, killing infants is considered a natural right.

This is only my humble opinion, but I believe many people feel the same way. It has nothing personal to do with Mr. Robinson. It has everything to do with his agenda, and it has everything to do with who we believe is teaching the word of God.

Brian Voge, Ocala, Florida

I am sorry for those supporting Homosexuals because they too will be judged by God. The bible is clear on homosexuality so what is the debate about. this not about UN or national constitutions but about the Bible which provide guide for christian daily living. Lets not loose site of Sodom and Gomorrah. God destroyed those acient cities for such atrocities as homosexuality. every christian should abhor keep away from them not to talk about joining homosexual couples in the Church. As for Robinson and Andrew God will take on you for draging his church to the mud. Rev Giles, retrace your step and withdraw your support from Robinson and Andrew and Bishop William take a positive stand on this issue otherwise you are re charting another course that takes you from the people and that means you are misleading GOD's People.

Francis, Port harcourt, Nigeria

Jesus was very clear about what constituted marriage in God's foundational inauguration of the institution:

“Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Jesus, Matthew 19:4-6.

Jesus quoted Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 and affirmed God’s original intent for marriage - "male and female." Those who wish to "join" two men, or two women, together - are clearly outside of Jesus' definition of marriage.

We should always show Christian love towards those individuals who are caught up in sinful life-styles. But Christian love does not mean we must validate scripturally condemned live-styles. Would Jesus love those caught up in the homosexual life-style? Yes. But would He affirm that life-style? Clearly - He would not.

Bruce, Texarkana,

There seem to be many comments about "discrimination." This is because liberals have purposely reframed the debate over homosexuality to be about "social justice" rather than about Biblical "moral teaching" (rightly understanding they could never win the debate from the "moral" viewpoint - they switched to the social justice gambit because the word "discrimination" evokes a more powerful emotional response).

It is also a popular "conversation stopper" to slander those who oppose the homosexual life-style as - "homophobic". But this is a misnomer. Homophobic refers to someone who is afraid "of" homosexuals, when actually those who oppose the homosexual life-style on Biblical grounds are not afraid "of" them, but afraid "FOR" them (considering the judgement the Bible says is to come upon those in that life-style).

Christians should show love to individuals who are caught up in sinful life-styes - but without affirming the life-style itself.

Bruce, Texarkana,

Dr. Williams is discriminating against homosexuals in the church, which, of course, is to expected by someone who wants Sharia law added to England's fair and pleasant land.

Lee, sterling, US

Isn't it interesting that people can come up with statistics to prove anything? And Mr Ashworth's comments about undermining the Gospel of Christ? I would direct him to Mark 12:31 to find out about the true meaning of Love. It is bigots like Peter Akinola and those of his persuasion that undermine the Gospel of Christ. Let's pray that the Church is able to shed its past prejudices and embrace an open and inclusive future. It's going to happen - whether the conservatives want it to or not.

Nicholas, Lincoln,

Any church that discriminates against gays should have their charity status revoked (they shoudn't have it in the first place). As they are openly showing that it is okay to be bigoted. Can any one really argue this without saying "my god tells me to be a bigger and he is always right (in my opinion)"

Religion causing issues again big surprise.

Ben Andrews, Brisbane,

Bishop Robinson should not be discriminated against on the grounds of his sexuality. This article makes clear, however, that he has been singled out by Dr Williams for different treatment. Over 800 bishops and their spouses have been invited to attend the Lambeth conference, but Dr Williams has explicitly instructed this openly gay bishop not to attend in his official capacity as an Anglican bishop.

A business leader who treated a senior member of his staff in a similar way would probably find the matter coming before an employment tribunal. This article reveals to us that the historical contempt shown by the Anglican Church towards homosexuals is as strong as ever.

Des, Edinburgh,

Bish Rob isn't big on the humility thing is he?

David, Oxford,

Robroy portrays the situation accurately. It is most unfortunate that those in authority choose to ignore any objective assessment. As an Anglican I am ashamed of those who seek to undermine the Gospel of Christ.

Allan Ashworth, york, UK

It is very fortunate for the orthodox that the liberals choose such poor leaders. K Schori, as bishop of Nevada (the fastest growing state in the union) actually shrank diocesan roles by 10%, putting her dead last, 99th, in terms of population adjusted growth. For this, she was awarded the presiding bishopric and she continues to shrink membership rolls at a phenomenal rate on a national level. Similarly, Gene Robinson has caused a drop of membership by near 14% despite his pledge of "countless people" who would replace the disaffected. Perhaps they both should stay home and tend to the flock? Of course not, don't waste an opportunity to mug in front of a camera.

robroy, peublo, USA