The debate over homosexuality and the role of women in the church threatens to produce a schism in the worldwide Anglican communion.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week | The

Under his leadership, the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion have been riven by controversies over women bishops and gay clergy.

BBC: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams

Another cause of discord in the worldwide Anglican communion has been the election of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions.

BBC: Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope to 'seek closer ties'