The archbishops of the Anglican Communion have decided to take action against the Episcopal Church, the U.S. branch of the Communion, by imposing sanctions for three years for its acceptance of same-sex marriage.
The decision follows a weeklong meeting in England summoned by Archbishop of Cantebury Justin Welby to discuss the divisions within the Communion regarding same-sex marriage sparked by the Episcopal Church's consecration of an openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson in 2003 and its vote to allow its clergy to perform same-sex marriages.
Majority of the primates voted to sanction its U.S. branch, limiting its participation in the Communion.
"The traditional doctrine of the church in view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of those gathered reaffirm this teaching," the primates said in a statement.
For three years, leaders of the Episcopal Church will not be permitted to represent the Anglican Communion at meetings, cannot be appointed or elected for committees, or partake in decision-making processes "relating to doctrine or polity."
More conservative primates thought that the sanctions were not strong enough, calling for stricter sanctions.
"The sanctions are strong, but they are not strong enough...With that said, it took many steps for the Anglican Communion to come to this current crisis. This is a good step back in the right direction, but it will take many more if the Communion is to be restored," wrote Archbishop Foley Beach, who heads the Anglican Church in North America.
The Anglican Communion is one of the world's largest associations of churches with 85 million members worldwide.
