WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Conservative Episcopalians are threatening to form a separate U.S. church over the confirmation of the world's first openly homosexual Episcopal bishop.
The Washington Times reported Thursday the Rev. V. Gene Robinson's confirmation could also prompt conservatives to withhold millions of dollars in parish contributions.
The Episcopal Church's action Tuesday "shattered the Anglican family" and "departed from the historic Christian faith," said a statement from the American Anglican Council, the lead conservative organization opposing Robinson's elevation to bishop of New Hampshire.
The Episcopal House of Bishops voted 62-45, with two abstentions, to confirm the election of Robinson during the denomination's annual convention in Minneapolis Tuesday.
Although the AAC instructed conservative Episcopalians not to desert the denomination until international Anglican leaders weigh in, indications are a 37-year trend of defections from the church will continue.
From a high of 3.6 million in 1966, Episcopal Church membership has dropped by a third to 2.3 million today.
