The future of the 77 million-strong worldwide Anglican Communion was complicated further last night (16 December 2006) with the announcement that two large evangelical congregations in the US have voted to break away from the Episcopal Church, primarily because of its decision three years ago to consecrate a gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

In a move which is being interpreted by some as part of a conscious effort to pre-empt decisions about a global Anglican covenant promoted by Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, the Anglican Church in Tanzania has said it will no longer knowingly accept money from dioceses, parishes, bishops, and individuals that "condone homosexual practice or bless same-sex unions", a statement from its House of Bishops has declared.