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The division over homosexuality and the church is set to worsen as the first openly lesbian bishop is approved by America's Anglican church.Apparently ignoring warnings from the likes of Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, the Episcopal Church of the USA has taken the decision to approve the Rev Mary Glasspool for the position of Assistant Bishop of Los Angeles.
Both she and the Rev Diane Bruce will become the first women bishops in LA on May 15th, but it is Miss Glasspool's gay relationship that is causing the most controversy.
The Church, well known as the most liberal of the Anglican Communion, says the move will go some way to showing that "gender and sexual orientation" are no barrier.
It was also the first in the Communion to elect a homosexual bishop, the Rt Rev Gene Robinson, back in 2003 but all this liberalism has resulted in a breakaway movement and it is likely that many traditionalist Anglicans will simply desert the Church.
There have even been calls for the Episcopal Church to be expelled from the Communion.
Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Rev Peter Jensen, said: "It is now absolutely clear to all that the national Church itself has formally committed itself to a pattern of life which is contrary to Scripture."
Miss Glasspool, who has been with her partner since 1988, feels differently.
According to The Telegraph she said: "I am also aware that not everyone rejoices in this election and consent, and will work, pray, and continue to extend my own hands and heart to bridge those gaps, and strengthen the bonds of affection among all people, in the Name of Jesus Christ."
But what do you think? Is the election of a gay bishop "contrary to Scripture" as Rev Jensen claims, or is the message of "affection among all people" of more importance?
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