Anglican bishops from around the world are gathering in Canterbury today for the start of the 10-yearly Lambeth Conference.

The 650 bishops will discuss subjects including evangelisation, social justice and the environment. But a crucial issue threatens to overshadow the controversial conference. Christianity VS homosexuality.

Recently the first openly gay Anglican bishop was officially consecrated by members of the church. The Rt Rev Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire in the US was not invited to the Lambeth conference because of the controversy over his appointment.

However, the decision to bar him has failed to prevent a boycott of up to a quarter of the bishops invited, who object to the presence of US bishops responsible for his blessing.

Those boycotting the conference include Anglican leaders from Africa, South America and Australia. A number of British bishops are also expected to stay away including the Bishop of Rochester.  

With the recent discussions and similar controversy about the prospect of British woman bishops is this another nail in the cross for an archaic Anglican church? Is Christianity too fearful of modern ways of thinking?

Or maybe these bishops are rightfully taking a stand to save the core values of their religion? Could this overshadowing damage a respectable conference which is set to solve global issues?  

Get the debate going and tell us what you think here on our blog.

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