ARCHBISHOP Robin Eames says he is deeply concerned at the possible consequences of the consecration of gay American bishop Gene Robinson for the Church of Ireland.
The all-Ireland primate, who has been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to chair the international Anglican commission on the implications of the consecration, said there were differing views within his Church in Ireland.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster yesterday, he said: "The technical question of course that I and the Archbishop of Dublin would have to face and give some guidance on is the question of the actual physical presence in Ireland of the new bishop," he said.
"There is a link, a recognised link, between the diocese of Limerick and the diocese of New Hampshire.
"That has pre-existed long before this controversy arose and I would hope that my opposite number, the primate of the United States, would exercise some caution, realising that not only has the commission yet to report but also that opinions in this country, in the Church of Ireland, are sharply divided."
The consecration of Bishop Robinson in New Hampshire has enraged many traditionalist Anglicans around the world.
Conservative clergy have threatened to leave the worldwide Church if the appointment is not overturned.
Traditionalist leaders, many of them living side by side with conservatively minded Muslims in developing countries, insist the US Church reverse its policy or be suspended.
Many think the survival of the 70 million-strong worldwide Church is at stake but so far there seems little scope for agreement.