Gene Robinson excluded from Lambeth

It's either endgame for the Anglican Communion (as we know it) or a clever compromise that will help to hold the Communion together. Rowan Williams has decided not to invite Bishop Gene Robinson, the gay bishop of New Hampshire, to the next Lambeth Conference -- and is also snubbing Bishop Martyn Minns of the traditionalist Convocation of Anglicans in North America, who was consecrated a bishop on 5 May in Woodbridge, Virginia, by the Nigerian primate, Archbishop Peter Akinola.

Gene Robinson is, understandably, hopping mad; he regards the Archbishop of Canterbury's decision as a "an affront to the entire Episcopal Church".

Martyn Minns's response, in careful Anglican language, hinted that things are about to get even worse for the Communion:

Depending on the response of The Episcopal Church to the Primates’ communiqué by September 30, the situation may become even more complex. One thing is clear, a great deal can and will happen before next July.

Traditionalists like Martyn Minns, and arch-traditionalists like his consecrator Peter Akinola, will not be satisfied merely by the "official absence" of Gene Robinson at the Lambeth Conference. I say "official absence" because the Communion's Secretary General sugested today that Gene Robinson may still be present at a non-voting guest at the next Lambeth Conference.

Whether or not he makes it to Lambeth, Gene Robinson has already made it to BBC Northern Ireland, and you've another chance to see my interview with him on Sunday night on BBC 1. Until then, this will entertain you . . .