The 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) which has confirmed the election of Gene Robinson, a gay priest, to the high office of bishop has brought darkness, disappointment, sadness and grief not only to the Church of the Province of Central Africa, but also to the entire Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church in America has not only departed from the faith but also from the true Anglican Church. This is a clear planned schism by ECUSA from the Anglican Communion which is beyond reasonable doubt.  We must also condemn in the strongest terms, the resolution to allow same sex blessings which is also a serious departure from the faith and the agreed principles that have held the Church together for centuries.

The Church of the Province of Central Africa is not only saddened by this action taken by ECUSA bishops but also disappointed with the honourable house of learned bishops to come up with this unconforming decision.

The Church of the Province of Central Africa therefore declares that it will not be part of the 65% who voted for the confirmation of the election o f Gene Robinson. Instead the Church here would like to assure the 45% who strongly stood against the election of a gay bishop that you are not alone, you have your brothers and sisters in Christ and in spirit and prayer. We encourage you to be even more strong now and shame the devil.

The Church of the Province of Central Africa strongly believes that the Church must seek to take concrete and clear expressions and proclamations of the love of Christ to the peoples of the world for their transformation and forgiveness. It is therefore sad to see others slip away from Christ's love which is intended for them.

The Church of the Province of Central Africa is very mindful of the grievous consequences that the decision of ECUSA bishops, in confirming the election of a gay bishop, will cause to the entire Anglican Communion. Their decision has shattered the Anglican Communion. Deep pain has been inflicted upon us all. We are now experiencing an overwhelming sense of loss of direction of the Anglican Communion.

There will be a meeting very shortly of the African Archbishops and it will be at this meeting that the African Church will critically make its position very clear. As an Archbishop and Primate, I would like to sincerely commend the 45 bishops who stood firmly in their faith and maintained their integrity and distinctiveness as real Servants of the Lord.

As an Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa, I join all those who are equally saddened by the move taken by ECUSA bishops in confirming voting for a gay bishop and I call upon the Christian Church to be vigilant and alert so that we are not taken unaware in this spiritual war.

Do not let economic pride weaken our holy stand against anything contrary to the Holy Church and let us all pray for its work and mission.

 + Bernard

The Most Rev. Bernard Malango is the Primate of Central Africa