More problems in the Anglican world

The Anglican Church in the Sudan has allied itself with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) against the Episcopal Church because of the latter's endorsement of same-sex relationships and the ordination of practicing gays. Here is a report. As we know there have also been problems in London over the "occupation" (by a group largely annoyed at bankers and high finance) of space outside St. Paul's Cathedral. The Bishop of London has sincerely tried to strike a conciliatory pose which, however well-meant, is likely to cause more pain amongst the more conservative Anglicans. The proposal to erect some kind of permanent or semi-permanent reminder of the occupation seems ill-judged. The problems in London may be small compared to the announcement of the Sudanese bishops, but it is yet another self-inflicted wound on a very ailing body. How long can all this go on? On a more positive note, as usual, the Queen's speech was excellent. I was moved by her confident words about the meaning of Christmas and thought that she had probably preached a better homily or sermon than many of her clergymen on Christmas Day (and perhaps even better than some of other denominations!).