LONDON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams says he is afraid of losing control of the Church of England as people choose sides on the issue of homosexuality.
Williams said he fears a schism that will weaken one of Christianity's largest communities, Christian Today reported Monday. The archbishop is already embroiled in a controversy stemming from allegations that more than 50 gay and lesbian priests have been joined in civil partnerships, which the church forbids.
"It's going to be bad for us. It's going to drive people into recrimination and bitterness," Williams told Christian Today.
"I fear the situation slipping out of my control, such as it is," he said in comments made for a documentary on Canterbury Cathedral, Christian Today reported.
Williams is to serve as chairman during meeting next month with the other archbishops in the Anglican Communion, which has 70 million members.
