Source: compiled by seaQwa's Qnews from report by Times (London)
The Tiimes of London, which is often highly critical of the Archbishop of Canterbury and of those who seek to extend Church of England services to all its members, tries to create a major controversy over a special service held by the archbishop for lesbian and gay clergy.

The Archbishop of Canterbury kept a special communion service for gays so secret that he failed to tell the Bishop of London it was happening in his diocese, The Times reports.

Some Anglicans opposed to services for gay church members became inflamed with Dr Rowan Williams when it was reported that he had agreed to hold a eucharist for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender clergy.

Those who call themselves "traditionalists" were dismayed that the Archbishop seemed to condone gay clergy by choosing to give communion, instead of just listening to them. Canon Chris Sugden of Anglican Mainstream said: “Obviously they were wanting to communicate that this is acceptable behavior for those who are at the table of the Lord.”

But even his critics have been "taken aback", Times of London reports, to learn that he did so by making what the Times calls "an incursion" on to the patch of the Bishop of London, the Right Rev Richard Chartres, without giving notice or seeking permission.

The Times claims that Dr Williams now risks being seen as, at best, discourteous and at worst, in breach of canon law, for what it calls "sneaking" into a church near the Tower of London "under the Bishop’s nose."

Canon law says that only a bishop can authorise services in his own diocese and infringements may result in an intruder being removed from office.

The venue for the special service was drenched in symbolism. The stones and beams of the 7th century church of All Hallows by the Tower have borne witness to the persecution of misunderstood, but ultimately vindicated, Christians down the ages. The headless bodies of the martyr saints Sir Thomas More, John Fisher and William Laud were taken there after their executions at the Tower.

Lambeth Palace -- the office and residence of the archbishop -- justifies the sortie by relying on a rule that allows for short-term stand-ins for sick or holidaying vicars. But a spokesman made no reply when the The Times, which is often highly critical of the archbishop, suggested that his behavior might be what the Times characterized as "rude".

The Bishop of London’s spokesman said: “The Bishop wasn’t aware it was taking place.” He described the event as a private function.

The spokesman was asked by The Times if he considered there had been a discourtesy. “I am not able to comment on that,” he replied.

The previous Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey -- a more conservative primate -- declined to make much of what the Times considered a controversy.

The 72-year-old replied to a Times email request for comment: “I am sure that Rowan was acting for the very best of reasons viz. to show that he cares for all and wishes to hold minorities in the church. What would I have done? I would not have agreed to a private Eucharist; after all, the Eucharist, by definition, is open to all Christians.

“I am surprised to hear that the Bishop of London’s permission was not sought. Check your facts. If that is so then it is a failure of courtesy but it could be a staff member’s fault! Happy Christmas”.

Full article: Bishop left in dark over secret gay service -Times Online