New Archbishop accused of 'condoning immorality'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The oldest Anglican evangelical group in Britain accused the next Archbishop of Canterbury of condoning immorality and called yesterday for him step down.
The Church Society said Rowan Williams was "leading people astray" through his liberal stance on homosexuality and said it would refuse to accept his authority. It issued its statement came after leaders of the society met Dr Williams to ask him to change his views or renounce his appointment.
David Phillips, general secretary of the 800-strong society, said members could not accept Dr Williams's belief that homosexuality was acceptable in a long-term relationship because, he said, it was against teachings in the Bible. "We had to tell him that he should not accept the post and it was clear that he is going to so we had to say that we could not accept his authority," said Mr Phillips. "He realised why we said it but he was obviously angry and upset."
The society's criticism of Dr Williams is the strongest so far by evangelical groups and follows similar views from more liberal elements such as the mainstream Church of England Evangelical Council and the Anglican Evangelical Assembly. Mr Phillips warned that schism was a possibility.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments