Press Releases04 Feb 04

Archbishop Eames meets divided U.S. churches

ARCHBISHOP EAMES MEETS DIVIDED U.S. CHURCHES

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, has held meetings in Washington D.C. with representatives of the various opposing groups in the American Episcopal Church.

In the past few days the Primate, as chairman of the Archbishop of Canterbury?s International Commission, has held discussions in the Diocese of Virginia with representatives of those supportive and opposed to the election of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire. This election of the first Anglican practising homosexual as a Bishop has caused major divisions throughout the world Church.

The international Commission under Dr Eames? chairmanship will meet throughout next week in England and is due to publish its findings next September. While in Washington the Primate held confidential discussions with representatives of the American Anglican Congress formed by Episcopalians who plan to form a breakaway Church based on their interpretation of orthodoxy and with Bishop Peter Lee and others who supported Bishop Robinson?s appointment.

Dr Eames commented: ?It is important that I hear at first hand the feelings of those in the United States who are so divided on this issue. It was a genuine period of listening and questioning.?

The Church of Ireland Bishops today published an open letter offering to arrange meetings and receive written submissions on human sexuality issues.