Ndungane supports gay bishop

2003-11-03 21:23

Cape Town - The Anglican archbishop of Cape Town on Monday voiced his support for the consecration of the US Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop, in contrast with widespread anger elsewhere.

"Gene Robinson has been constitutionally and canonically elected and is a consecrated bishop," said Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane. "That is according to the laws and regulations governing the church in the United States."

"In the Anglican communion, we affirm the autonomy of the appointees and therefore we respect the integrity of its province and its processes," he told SABC national radio.

On Sunday, the Episcopal Church in the United States consecrated the appointment of Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire, despite warnings that the decision could split the church.

Ndungane, who was ordained as archbishop in 1996, has consistently refused to express a personal view on the matter, saying an archbishop speaks only the mind of the church.

He added that the issue of gay clergy was "on the agenda of the worldwide church and was not going to go away".

South Africa's constitution guarantees freedom of sexual choice.

Cape Town is known as the most gay-friendly city on the African continent, encouraging gay tourism, although some Christian and Muslim communities frequently object to the city being seen as a gay destination.

The Constitutional Court ruled last year that people in "permanent same-sex life partnerships" could adopt children.

- AFP