The worldwide Anglican church has taken a step back from the brink of break-up – but voted to partially exclude its liberal American branch because of its stance on homosexuality.
Archbishops and bishops from around the world, meeting behind closed doors in the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral, voted explicitly to condemn same-sex marriage as a “fundamental departure” from traditional Anglican teaching.
The primates from almost 40 countries also decided to bar the US branch of Anglicanism, The Episcopal Church (Tec) – which officially recognises gay marriage ”“ from key bodies for the next three years.
But, fundamentally, it remains part of the Global Anglican Communion.