Breakaway archbishop urged to quit

The head of the traditional Anglican communion, John Hepworth, has been asked to resign by colleagues in the United States.

It follows controversy over the archbishop's claim he was sexually abused by Catholic priests in his youth, decades ago.

Archbishop Hepworth is world primate of a breakaway group from the Anglican church which has members in several countries including the United States.

He is hoping his church will be allowed to join with the Catholic Church, of which he was once a member.

Archbishop Hepworth says this reconciliation is one reason he went public with his story of having been raped by Catholic priests.

"That was what was driving me. My twin task as a church leader dealing with the Pope, and my own personal story," he said.

But an affiliate church in the US opposes the move for unity and has now called on Archbishop Hepworth to resign as primate.

A spokesman for the Anglican Church in the US says up to 90 per cent of members are against joining Rome and there has been a lack of consultation.

In a letter to John Hepworth, the American clergy writes: "It is increasingly obvious to us … that recent developments have made it impossible for you to continue to function effectively as primate of the traditional Anglican communion".

The letter does not mention the sex claims or the naming of a priest by Independent Senator Nick Xenophon in Federal Parliament.

But it says the church needs "focused leadership at this critical time".

"For the good of the church and your family, as well as for your own emotional, physical, and spiritual health, we prayerfully urge you to consider submitting your resignation forthwith," it says.

Archbishop Hepworth says he is yet to receive any letter.

He says some in the church in the US do not want religious unity, but they are in the minority.

"The primate of the traditional Anglican communion is elected by his bishops and at this stage I retain the confidence of the bishops," he said.

"If a group of clergy in the US have got disgruntled that worries me, but it's not actually a global movement."

 

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