Anglican Communion
New Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby inherits a divided Anglican Communion
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) Bishop Justin Welby, a former oil executive who's emerged as a critic of corporate excess, was named Friday (Nov. 9) as the 105th archbishop of Canterbury, primate of the Church of England and leader of the worldwide 77 million-member Anglican Communion. By Trevor Grundy.
Is the British monarch the ‘Defender of the Faith’ or ‘Faiths’?
LONDON (RNS) As Britain waits for Queen Elizabeth II to appoint a new archbishop of Canterbury, there's renewed attention on her title of "Defender of the Faith." By Trevor Grundy.
Reaction mixed to Episcopal Church’s approval of same-sex rite
(RNS) Gay and lesbian Episcopalians are celebrating their church’s approval on Tuesday (July 10) of a liturgical rite for blessing same-sex couples. But conservatives are threatening to take “drastic” steps to distance themselves from the Episcopal Church. By Daniel Burke.
Church of England postpones vote on female bishops
(RNS/ENInews) The Church of England voted to postpone draft legislation that would have allowed women to become bishops. By Trevor Grundy.
Archbishop of Canterbury slams Christians who feel `disgusted’ about homosexuality
LONDON (RNS) Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams criticized some Christians for feeling so "embarrassed and ashamed and disgusted" over homosexuality that they send out a message signaling a lack of understanding and patience. By Al Webb.
GUEST COMMENTARY: When religion and spirituality collide
The Anglican fight over gay clergy is usually framed as a left and right conflict, part of the larger saga of political division. But this narrative obscures a more significant tension in Western societies: the increasing gap between spirituality and religion, and the failure of traditional religious institutions to learn from the divide. By Diana Butler Bass.
‘Covenant’ to bind Anglican Communion appears dead
WASHINGTON (RNS) The U.S. Commission for Religious Freedom just got two new members, both darlings of conservatives: Princeton University philosopher Robert P. George and Zuhdi Jasser, who describes himself as an alternative voice to established Muslim civil rights groups. By Al Webb and Kevin Eckstrom.
As Rowan Williams retires, speculation turns to successor
LONDON (RNS) Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said Friday (March 16) he will step down at the end of 2012, setting the stage for the unique process of government officials appointing the new leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. By Al Webb and Kevin Eckstrom.
Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop of Canterbury to meet
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, will pray together in Rome on Saturday despite longstanding differences on women clergy and sexual morality. By Alessandro Speciale.
