Anglican bishop considers ‘two track’ structure

LONDON — The Archbishop of Canterbury says the Anglican Church may have to accept a “two track” communion in which believers can hold different opinions about gay clergy and same-sex unions.

Rowan Williams wrote on his Web site Monday that there are “two styles of being Anglican” and that both sides should work together to maintain the church.

Williams is the Anglican spiritual leader. His comments are in response to a decision by U.S. Episcopalian church last week to authorize bishops to bless same-sex unions and research an official prayer for the ceremonies.

The Episcopal Church caused an uproar among some Anglicans in 2003 by consecrating the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Williams, has struggled since to keep the communion unified.