Anglican Communion suspends Episcopal Church over same-sex unions

Episcopal Church remains at odds against Anglican Communion.

The Anglican Church has punished the Episcopal Church over its position on homosexual behavior and marriage. The Episcopal Church, which is the American branch of the Anglican Church, has been under criticism for its non-biblical condoning of homosexual behavior.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - After years of internal division over the issue of homosexual behavior between the Episcopal Church in the United States and its parent, Anglican Church in England, the Anglican Communion has finally applied sanctions.

The Anglican Communion, the governing body of the Church of England, has long upheld the biblical fact that marriage is between one man and one woman, for life. However, the Episcopal Church in the USA has long been at odds with its parent, and with scripture, by taking the view that homosexual behavior and unions can be condoned.

The Episcopal Church has a number of clergy who are self-described homosexuals and who bless homosexual unions.

The Anglican Communion, which is made up of representatives from 44 countries, has finally reacted by suspending the Episcopal Church from occupying key voting positions within the Communion. This will diminish their voice in the greater church. The sanctions will last for three years.

Still, it may be a price the Episcopal Church is willing to pay, if it means they can continue sanctioning homosexual activity without schism. However, there are members of the Episcopal Church who could prefer schism, since the broken church could then offer the illusion of legitimacy to same-sex unions.

In three years, the suspension will be reviewed by the Anglican Communion. At that time, they could vote to maintain the suspension or to lift it. It is highly unlikely the Episcopal Church will revise its position.