Nigerian archbishop defies leaders of Episcopal Church

WASHINGTON – A powerful Nigerian Anglican archbishop defied top church leaders Saturday by coming to Northern Virginia and installing as one of his bishops a local minister who recently broke with the U.S. church after accusing it of being too liberal.

The festive ceremony thrilled those who believe the U.S. church has become too permissive but highlighted divisions that threaten to crack the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop Peter J. Akinola leads a movement that, among other things, believes the Bible is unequivocally opposed to homosexuality and divorced clergy. Hundreds turned out to watch him install Martyn Minns as “missionary bishop” for an outpost that he created for America.

The worshipers, who have left the U.S. wing – the Episcopal Church – applauded as bishops from Canada, England, the United States, Nigeria and Uganda sat on the stage in white-and-red robes.

The installation was high-profile fuel for the debate in the 70 million-member Anglican Communion over the proper reading of Scripture on homosexuality and other issues. The questions have not only roiled the Episcopal Church but also divided other denominations worldwide over the past decade.