LONDON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- A London church brought in a bishop from Africa for an ordination in a further sign of divisions in the Anglican Communion over homosexuality.
Many conservative Anglicans believe that the Rev. Tom Butler, the bishop of Southwark, is not strict enough on the issue, the Times of London reported.
The Rev. Richard Coekin, priest at a church in Wimbledon, was warned that he could lose his certification to be a minister in the diocese if he persisted with Wednesday's ceremony. Three men were ordained to the Anglican priesthood in a service described as "valid but irregular."
Homosexuality has divided Anglicans both globally and within national churches. Generally, the African churches regard homosexuality as a sin.
The Episcopal Church, the Anglican church in the United States, infuriated many African bishops when it accepted the elevation of a gay bishop in a committed relationship. While Archbishop Rowan Williams backed off from naming a gay bishop, the Church of England accepts open homosexuals as priests.
Coekin's invitation to Bishop Martin Morrison of South Africa could be a step in an effort to split the church formally into two wings.
