Kenya's Anglican bishops to boycott Lamberth conference

Written By:Rosalia Opondo   , Posted: Fri, Jul 11, 2008

Kenya's Anglican bishops have confirmed they will boycott the 15^th Lamberth conference in Canterbury, England from July 16 to 3^rd August 2008.

The controversial issue of ordination of openly gay bishops and blessing partnerships of same-sex couples in the Episcopal Church in United States is a matter that has further caused tension and divides in the Anglican Church. 

This is exactly the reason why Kenya's Anglican officials will not attend the conference.

In a statement made to the press, Archbishop, Benjamin Nzimbi confirmed the church's decision to boycott the meeting, as they do not agree with the decisions to ordain gay bishops

More than 650 Anglican bishops are expected to attend the conference.

Despite stating that the church will not split, it is clear that the issue has caused a major rift within the church. Most bishops from Africa have also said they will not attend the conference. So the question still remains, Could this be the beginning of an eminent split in the church?

The last Lamberth conference held in 1998 passed two resolutions saying they will not ordain gay men and lesbians and that homosexuality is incompatible with the scripture.

Last month a rival meeting held in Jerusalem was attended by more than 250 conservative Anglican clergy issuing dramatic warnings about a looming parting of ways with liberal churches in a bid to seek a renewed Anglican communion.

The move to boycott the conference is a blow to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams who wants to use the meeting to heal the rift over sexuality, which has driven the communion to the brink of a permanent split.

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