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ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury Justin Welby was yesterday shamed into apologising for the “hurt and pain” caused by the church to LGBTI communities in the face of an angry protest.
Mr Welby confessed it was a “constant source of deep sadness” that people were persecuted because of their sexuality as he spoke after a meeting of Anglican leaders.
He said facing protesters, particularly those from Africa, was a reminder of the “pain and suffering of many LGBTI people around the world” and he apologised for the pain “past and present” the church has caused.
Mr Welby spoke after church leaders agreed to sanction the US branch of the Anglican Communion over its endorsement of gay marriage.
As a result the US Episcopal Church has been banned from taking part in ecumenical and interfaith bodies, internal committees or votes on doctrine or polity for a period of three years.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who attended the protest, called the decision “intolerant, cruel and devoid of Christian love and compassion.”