Nigerian gay activist says Akinola is after power

[...] Akinola was one of seven archbishops who refused to take communion with the leader of the liberal U.S. Episcopal Church on Friday, in protest at her support for the consecration of a gay American bishop in 2003.

Mac-Iyalla said Akinola's hardline stance had more to do with the struggle for influence in the Anglican Communion, where the small but financially powerful U.S. branch is pitted against the churches of the poorer developing world where congregations are growing.

With 17.5 million members, the second biggest after the Church of England, the Nigerian Anglican Church has enjoyed growing influence but still faces competition for followers from Islam, which also takes a harsh view of homosexuality.

"I can't judge if it is his (Akinola's) faith, but from experiences I've had, I think it is more political than theological. It has to do with power," Mac-Iyalla said.

"Those who want to split the church, those who want power, those who want a supplementary church look for an agenda and sexuality is what is selling well." Read more