Conservative Episcopalians are threatening to withhold millions of dollars in parish donations and form a separate U.S. church over the confirmation of the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as the world's first openly homosexual Episcopal bishop. The Episcopal Church's action Tuesday "shattered the Anglican family" and "departed from the historic Christian faith," said a statement from the American Anglican Council, the lead conservative organization opposing Mr. Robinson's elevation to bishop of New Hampshire.
The Episcopal House of Bishops voted 62-45, with two abstentions, to confirm the election of Mr. Robinson during the denomination's annual convention in Minneapolis.
Although the AAC instructed conservative Episcopalians not to desert the denomination until international Anglican leaders weigh in, indications are that a 37-year trend of defections from the church will continue. ...