Justin Welby orders crisis talks to prevent split in church

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called a crisis meeting of global Anglican church leaders in an attempt to prevent a permanent split over issues like homosexuality.

Justin Welby said the talks in January will be an opportunity for the 38 leaders of national churches who represent 80 million Christians around the world to come together and discuss their differences.

He is expected to propose that Anglican churches with opposing views loosen their links but remain connected to the "mother Church in Canterbury".

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"A source at Lambeth Palace described this meeting of the 'Anglican family' not as discussions over divorce, but more a possible move into separate bedrooms," says the BBC's Caroline Wyatt.

The Anglican Communion has become increasingly divided in recent years, particularly over the issue of gay rights. There are churches in Uganda campaigning for greater criminal penalties for homosexuality, while others in the US have voted in favour of carrying out same-sex weddings.

"The difference between our societies and cultures, as well as the speed of cultural change in much of the global north, tempts us to divide as Christians: when the command of scripture, the prayer of Jesus, the tradition of the church and our theological understanding urges unity," Welby said.

A source told The Times that the Archbishop wanted to put an end to the constant infighting and instead focus efforts on poverty, refugees, the protection of children and the environment.

But the meeting has been described as a high-risk attempt to keep the community together and it could trigger an angry walk out by traditionalist leaders, the Daily Telegraph reports.

"If that happens, the whole thing goes completely pear-shaped, it will pull apart large chunks of the Church of England, fairly quickly particularly the more conservative elements," one aide warned.