Archbishop of Canterbury's Statement on Los Angeles Episcopal Elections

London: December 06, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

The election of Mary Glasspool by the Diocese of Los Angeles assuffragan bishop elect raises very serious questions not just for theEpiscopal Church and its place in the Anglican Communion, but for theCommunion as a whole.

The process of selection however is only part complete. The election hasto be confirmed, or could be rejected, by diocesan bishops and diocesanstanding committees. That decision will have very importantimplications.

The bishops of the Communion have collectively acknowledged that aperiod of gracious restraint in respect of actions which are contrary tothe mind of the Communion is necessary if our bonds of mutual affectionare to hold.