Gay service causes Anglican flap

LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- An Anglican communion service for gay clergy members was apparently performed in Britain without the knowledge of top church officials.

The Times of London said Monday that the archbishop of Canterbury kept the service "so secret" he failed to inform the bishop of London.

The archbishop, Rowan Williams, now faces the prospect of being found in violation of church regulations, which the newspaper said required that the London bishop give his permission for such a service to be conducted in his diocese.

There has been no indication that the bishop of London will forward a complaint to the achbishop of York, who could order a hearing on Rowan's possible removal.