FAIRFAX, Va., May 6 (UPI) -- A rector from Fairfax, Va., was installed as the Convocation of Anglicans in North America's newest bishop during the weekend amidst controversy.
Bishop Martyn Minns was named the church's newest leader Saturday, despite the fact the U.S. Episcopal Church had protested the ceremony after Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola was scheduled to present him with the ceremonial shepherd's crook.
Akinola has come under fire for his outspoken stance against homosexuality, but his presence did little to hamper Minns from detailing the direction he hopes the religion will now go.
"CANA is God's gift to those who want to serve God as Anglicans, but who cannot do so in the Episcopal Church as it is currently led," Minns said. "We want to see lives transformed, not excused. We want a church where all are welcome, but none leave unchanged."
The Anglican communion has been divided in part since 11 Episcopal parishes left the Diocese of Virginia late last year after a heated disagreement about biblical authority, the Washington Times said.
