This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/5373914.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US Anglicans consider gay bishop US Anglicans avoid gay clergy row
(about 5 hours later)
The Episcopal Church in America, which sparked conflict when it appointed a gay bishop, faces more new controversy as it prepares to select a new bishop. The Episcopal Church in the US has chosen a Massachusetts priest to be the new bishop for the Newark diocese, rather than an openly gay candidate.
One of the six candidates being considered as the new head of Newark diocese is an openly gay priest. The Rev Mark Beckwith won in the third round of voting, taking 253 votes, or about 53% of the 477 ballots cast by clergy and lay representatives.
Correspondents say if the US Church chooses Canon Michael Barlowe it will worsen a split with conservative Anglicans who say homosexuality a sin. Canon Michael Barlowe of San Francisco, one of six candidates, fell far short of the votes needed.
African clergy are already considering a split with the American Church. The US Church sparked controversy when it appointed a gay bishop in 2003.
Canon Michael Barlowe has been in a gay relationship with another priest for the last 24 years. A win by Canon Barlowe, who has been in a gay relationship with another priest for 24 years, would have worsened a split with conservative Anglicans who say homosexuality is a sin.
But there is severe division over the issue within the Anglican Church, with the traditionalist majority calling for stricter measures against the ordination of gay bishops. African clergy are already considering a split with the US Church.
Rift looming Saturday's vote marked the second time in five months that a US diocese has considered a gay candidate for bishop.
In an election in May the diocese of California also passed over a candidate who was gay.
There is severe division over the issue of homosexuality within the Anglican Church, with the traditionalist majority calling for stricter measures against the ordination of gay bishops.
The BBC's Jane Little in New York says the Anglican Communion's deep woes on the issue have been piling up.The BBC's Jane Little in New York says the Anglican Communion's deep woes on the issue have been piling up.
Last week an extraordinary meeting called by the Archbishop of Canterbury in New York failed to broker any peace deal between those who support homosexual priests and those who do not.Last week an extraordinary meeting called by the Archbishop of Canterbury in New York failed to broker any peace deal between those who support homosexual priests and those who do not.
Conservative diocese are already seeking alternative alliances with bishops in Africa and Asia who share their view that homosexuality is unbiblical.Conservative diocese are already seeking alternative alliances with bishops in Africa and Asia who share their view that homosexuality is unbiblical.
African archbishops have announced that the time is right for a division in the American Church and indicated that they are more than willing to take the lead in resolving the problems of the global Anglican communion, our correspondent says. African archbishops have announced that the time is right for a division in the US Church and indicated that they are more than willing to take the lead in resolving the problems of the global Anglican communion, our correspondent says.
The new bishop will be selected by 200 clergy and 339 lay people from the diocese in a vote on Saturday afternoon. Saturday's vote involved 200 clergy and 339 lay people from the diocese.
After that he or she must be approved nationally by diocesan panels, also made up of lay people and clergy, and by a majority of more than 100 of the Episcopal bishops who lead America's diocese. Rev Beckwith must now be approved nationally by diocesan panels, also made up of lay people and clergy, and by a majority of more than 100 of the Episcopal bishops who lead America's diocese.