ZOMBA, Malawi (AP) - The Anglican Church of Central Africa has rejected the appointment of a liberal British vicar as bishop in Malawi, saying yesterday it was because he supported gay rights.

A confirmation court made up of bishops from Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe concluded Rev Nicholas Henderson was "not of sound faith" because of his association with the liberal Modern Churchpeople's Union.

The question of extending gay rights in the church has caused bitter controversy that threatens to split the worldwide Anglican communion between liberals and conservatives.

The US church outraged conservatives by confirming V Gene Robinson, a priest living in a gay relationship, as bishop of New Hampshire. The Modern Churchpeople's Union welcomed Robinson's election as bishop, while prominent African Anglicans were among the most vocal critics.

Conservatives also have protested ceremonies to bless same-sex couples in some American and Canadian parishes.

Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi and many church leaders regard it as alien to African culture.

The Court of Confirmation was convened Wednesday after church conservatives filed a petition opposing Henderson's appointment in July.

Archbishop Bernard Malango, who heads the Anglican Church's Central Africa congregations, said Henderson was "shocked" when he informed him of its decision Thursday.

"But we arrived at such a decision because it is not compatible with our tradition and faith to advocate same-sex unions," Malango told the Associated Press.

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