"We want unity but not at the cost of relegating Christ to the position of another ‘wise teacher’ who can be obeyed or disobeyed," he said. "We earnestly desire the healing of our beloved Communion but not at the cost of re-writing the Bible to accommodate the latest cultural trend."
Akinola’s comments come ahead of Lambeth 2008, a worldwide decennial meeting where gathers Anglicans from across the world for theological engagement and fellowship. The Nigeria church leader and several conservative leaders from other provinces have threatened to boycott the conference if violators of the 1998 resolution that rejects homosexual practice and blessing same-sex unions are invited, namely U.S. Episcopal leaders who supported the consecration of the openly gay bishop.
"The consequence is most serious because, even if only one province chooses not to attend, the Lambeth Conference effectively ceases to be an Instrument of Unity," said Akinola.
Originally, those invited to Lambeth 2008 were requested to give their response to the invitation by July 31, but the Rev. Canon James Rosenthal, the communion’s director of communications, noted that the deadline to respond had been extended as some overseas bishops “have stated they have not receive their invitation yet.”
According to U.K.-based Christian Today, only a couple hundred of the 880 who were invited had replied by the deadline.
