Episcopal Leader Defends Gay Bishops

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the head Episcopal bishop in the United States, will not compromise for conservative Anglicans who object to gay bishops.

Disputes about LGBT leadership in the church are a leading cause of recent Anglican disputes about creating more centralized authority within the Episcopal establishment. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion.

Jefferts Schori wrote a letter rejecting reform ideas by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who wants to make Anglican ideologies and policies more centralized, developing stricter sanctions and calling for the resignation of members of the Anglican Communion who support gay marriage.

Reformists such as Jefferts Schori contend each leader will know what is right for their particular congregations, without decrees from Williams. Opponents believe Williams wants to appease conservative Anglicans who oppose pro-gay policies.