Episcopal Church Regrets, Won't Repent For Gay Bishop

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Episcopalians passed a resolution expressing "regret" for consecrating a homosexual bishop in 2003, but not "repentance" as many of the world's Anglican archbishops have urged.
 
The resolution that apologized to other Anglicans for not taking into account "the impact of our actions" was passed the same day as the newly elected presiding bishop played up the divisions within worldwide Anglicanism by saying homosexuality is not a sin.
 
The resolution of regret, which passed the Episcopal House of Deputies 563-267, also must pass the House of Bishops, which will consider it today at the denomination's triennial General Convention meeting in Columbus, Ohio.
 
It said Episcopalians expressed their "regret for straining the bonds of affection in the events surrounding the General Convention of 2003 and for the consequences which followed; offer its sincerest apology to those within the Anglican Communion who are offended by our failure to accord sufficient importance to the impact of our actions on our church ... and ask forgiveness as we seek to live into deeper levels of communion with one another."

 
Deputies wrangled for hours over that resolution, which, in the minds of some, called into question the consecration of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who left his wife and children and lives with a male lover.
    "I don't want to do any apologizing for the work of the Holy Spirit," said one deputy, referring to the denomination's selection of Bishop Robinson.
    "I can cause harm even if my intentions are good," said Diocese of Washington deputy Paul Abernathy. "I've learned by God's grace to say 'I'm sorry.'?"

 
FULL STORY at
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20060620-123008-7962r.htm