Anglican leader sees church split over gay bishops

LONDON - The worldwide Anglican Communion looked set on Wednesday for a slow-burning schism after its leader proposed a two-tier membership that would exclude the United States church for consecrating a gay bishop.

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, spiritual head of 77 million Anglicans, laid out the plan after the Episcopal Church declined to repent for appointing a homosexual prelate.

The plan, which would have national churches agree to stay full members or opt for a lesser "associate" status, could also end up isolating liberal Anglican churches in Canada, Scotland and New Zealand that support blessing for same-sex couples.

- REUTERS