THE openly gay bishop at the centre of the controversy over homosexuality in the Anglican Church is to visit Britain next month for the first time since his ordination.

The Right Rev Gene Robinson, whose consecration as Bishop of New Hampshire in the United States has brought the Anglican Communion close to schism, is to take part in a debate at the Oxford Union.

The Rev Richard Kirker, of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, will speak with him for the motion that “This house believes a gay lifestyle should be no bar to becoming a bishop”.

Bishop Robinson, a divorced father of two, was consecrated last November amid protests from traditionalists. An extraordinary meeting of Anglican leaders worldwide at Lambeth Palace said that his consecration could “tear the fabric” of the Anglican Communion.

News of the debate emerged as a new liberal pressure group, Inclusive Church, delivered a petition signed by thousands of supporters to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at the General Synod in Westminster.

The petition regretted that he had overturned his original affirmation of the celibate gay canon Dr Jeffrey John as the new Bishop of Reading.

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