Archbishop condemned over gay issue

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American Bishop Gene Robinson said he believed that God would be "very disappointed" with Dr Rowan Williams for his unwillingness to confront negative statements made by some of Bishop Robinson's opponents within the Anglican church. The bishop claimed Dr Williams had failed to be even-handed and crack down enough on the language used by his opponents.

He was elected Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003, becoming the Anglican Communion's first openly gay bishop.

His appointment has caused great friction within the church, attracting particular criticism from Peter Akinola who leads 37 million Anglicans as chairman of the Anglican Church in Africa.

Appearing on BBC's HARDtalk programme, the bishop was asked why he thought Dr Williams had not held to account Mr Akinola and "others who have used such dramatic language against you personally?"

Bishop Robinson replied: "Well, you would have to ask him that - and I think he will have to answer to God about that."

He added: "I believe (Dr Rowan William's) unwillingness to confront Peter Akinola and others like him who've made statements that I think any reasonable person would find over the edge - I believe God is very disappointed in that."

Bishop Robinson also called for Dr Williams to be more consistent, claiming he had criticised the Episcopal Church but had not offered a "critique of some of the other churches".

He was asked by interviewer Stephen Sackur: "Do you think the stance he's (Dr Williams) taken which sounds, in your description, partisan against you, do you think that has exacerbated the threats that you say you have received?" The bishop replied: "There is simply no way to understand the cause and effect of such things."

He then added: "I do believe the rhetoric of those who would gladly decide themselves as anti-gay certainly creates an atmosphere in which a person who might contemplate violence would feel more justified."