Criticism after archbishop reaffirms stance on gay sex

The archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged the nearimpossibility of a divided global Anglican church reaching a consensus on issues of sexuality, after he faced sharp criticism for affirming a 1998 declaration that gay sex is a sin.

Addressing a conference of more than 650 bishops from around the world, Justin Welby sought to mollify conservative bishops around the world by “affirming the validity” of the 1998 declaration. But he also indicated that he would not seek the authority to discipline or exclude churches that conduct or bless same-sex marriage.