Bishop Robinson
optimistic that schism will be averted

The first openly gay Episcopal bishop, whose 2003 consecration has moved the Anglican fellowship to the brink of schism, says he remains hopeful Anglicans can stay together.

''I think we need each other,'' said New Hampshire bishop V. Gene Robinson in an interview with The Times of London published July 27. ''We need to learn and grow with the presence of each other. I think it would be a terrible loss to all of us.''

The Episcopal Church is the U.S. province of the world Anglican Communion. Theological conservatives are demanding that the American church pledge by September 30 not to consecrate any more gay bishops or face losing full membership in the communion.

In an attempt to ease tensions, Robinson and Bishop Martyn Minns, who leads a network of breakaway conservative Episcopal parishes, have not been invited to a once-a-decade gathering of the world's Anglican bishops. The meeting, called the Lambeth Conference, is set for next year.

Still, Robinson said, ''I have great hopes that I will be officially included in some way or another.''

''It's not over,'' Robinson said. ''I have great hopes that a way can be found for me to be present and for the most conservative provinces of the communion to be present.''

Some conservative Anglican leaders in Africa and elsewhere are considering boycotting the assembly.

Separately, in the United States, the conservative diocese of Pittsburgh has created a Web site asking parishioners to weigh in on whether they should leave the Episcopal Church over its liberal drift. Pittsburgh bishop Robert Duncan, a leading theological conservative who opposed Robinson's elevation, said he'll step down if the diocese ultimately decides to stay. (AP)