Decisions Could Effect Ecumenical Efforts

(12 June, 2006 -RV-) The General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States begins Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the Anglican communion. The Episcopal Church's decision to ordain a practicing homosexual as bishop caused strain within the communion and was considered by many to be an ecumenical setback. Last week, Cardinal Walter Kasper told the mother of the Anglican Communion, the Church of England, that ecumenical efforts would be further strained by a decision to ordain women. Director of Public Affairs for the Catholic Diocese of Westminster, Austen Ivereigh says the two issues are related, and could further strain the communion...