Gay bishop calls decision a mistake

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Rt Rev Gene Robinson said he sympathised with Archbishop of Canterbury's position, but added that the lack of an invite meant the Lambeth Conference would not benefit from the inclusion of a gay voice.

Due to commence on Tuesday, the once-in-a-decade meeting of Anglican bishops comes as the Church continues to disintegrate over the issue of homosexuality and women priests.

Despite the snub, Mr Robinson - whose ordination as Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 split the Anglican Communion - will be in Canterbury at the time of the conference.

Speaking on BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, Mr Robinson said: "I think a mistake was made in not including me in those conversations. I was the only openly gay voice that might have been at the table. But I will do all I can from the fringe."

But he added that he did sympathise with Dr Rowan Williams' position.

He said: "He is in an almost untenable position. No matter what he does he will make someone mad and sometimes everybody mad.

"There is no doubt in my mind that his aim is to hold our beloved church together."

The bishop will deliver a sermon in the UK as the Church continues to be divided over the issue of homosexuality.

It comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Church. Earlier this month conservatives set up a splinter movement in rejection of the acceptance of gay bishops. And last week the General Synod descended into acrimony after the Church of England's ruling body voted in favour of legislation aimed at introducing women bishops.