Gay Bishop celebrates consecration

This is the expression of love between two men that is set to create a worldwide split in the Anglican Church.

In an emotional ceremony in America, the new bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, hugged his lover Mark Andrew.

But what for some was a moment of joy was for others in the 70 million strong Anglican communion a symbol of the schism engulfing the Church.

Conservatives say they cannot accept the consecration of Robinson, the first openly gay bishop, and are threatening to split away from the Episcopalian Church as it is called in America.

The embrace came as Bishop Robinson was given the symbols of office at the end of his consecration at the University of New Hampshire. Watched by his two daughters, he received his mitre from Mr Andrew, with whom he has lived for the past 13 years since the break-up of his marriage.

The 3,000-strong audience mostly applauded at the demonstration of affection which supporters of gay priests say brings them in from the cold. But the ceremony was also marked by bitter protests and a stark warning from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who said that "the divisions that are arising are a matter of deep regret".

He added: "They will be all too visible in the fact that it will not be possible for Gene Robinson's ministry as bishop to be accepted in every province of the communion."

Conservative bishops from South America, the West Indies and Nigeria have already written to Bishop Robinson asking him to step aside.

Among those raising formal objections during the consecration ceremony was an elderly priest, Earl Fox.

He shocked a gathering that included many children with a graphic description of homosexual practices. "It breaks my heart to be here," Father Fox added, after being told to cut his remarks short.

More than 30 conservative bishops from Canada and the United States are also opposed the appointment with the American Anglican Council, which represents their views, saying in a statement that the "Holy Scripture has been abandoned and sin celebrated over sanctification".

A group of New Hampshire Episcopalians also spoke out in opposition, with Meredith Harwood saying: "Sexual activity outside marriage is wrong for the people of God." They then walked out of the ceremony in protest, joining 400 others at a rival service in a nearby church.

The retiring Bishop of New Hampshire, Douglas Theuner, praised his replacement, telling him: "You will stand as symbol of the unity of the Church in a way none of the rest of us can."

Bishop Robinson had conciliatory words for his opponents, saying after they walked out: "These are faithful, wonderful Christian people for whom this is a moment of great pain and anger." He added: "They must know if they leave, they will always be welcomed back."

The bishop has the backing of nearly 200 Church leaders, with more than 50 American bishops joining

the traditional laying-on of hands ceremony that was greeted with applause.

But a number of episcopal parishes in the New Hampshire area are said to be be making arrangements to join other churches, while others are holding back their contributions to diocesan funds.