Gene Robinson MAY be invited to Lambeth 2008

Ed: Contra Ruth Gledhill's own headline 'Gene Robinson 'to be invited' to Lambeth, says ABC, I note that the leaked letter (who leaks these things for goodness sake?) from Lambeth Palace only says, "The Archbishop is therefore exploring inviting Bishop Robinson to the conference in another status." He may yet decide it can't be done, especially when the poo hits the fan, but we will see. (Stifles yawn.)

A number of Anglicans in England have been writing to the Archbishop of Canterbury in protest at his decision to leave Gene Robinson off the invitation list to Lambeth. I have been 'leaked' one of the letters sent back in response. Signed by Canon Flora Winfield, of his office for International, Ecumenical and Anglican Communion Affairs, it reflects on the Archbishop's concern about the 'canonical impediment' to Bishop Robinson's consecration. The letter concludes: 'The Archbishop is therefore exploring inviting Bishop Robinson to the conference in another status.' Full text printed at the end of this post.

A source tells me he will indeed be invited as an official guest, with a voice but no vote, in the same way that eight TEC delegates were invited to the ACC meeting at Nottingham. Ecumenical guests would fall into the same category. Martyn Minns will not be invited in any category however. The two more recent consecrations, including that of Bill Atwood, have not been discussed yet. Read more