THE Bishop of Worcester has urged his congregation to study, pray and discuss a controversial report about homosexuality in the Anglican Church.

Following this week's publication of the report, produced by a commission chaired by Irish Anglican leader Robin Eames, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, said it provides a space for the many parts of the Anglican Communion to consider the difficult issues it faces and to continue to work together.

The report calls for a moratorium on the consecration of gay candidates and urges US church leaders to apologise for ordaining gay priest Gene Robinson as bishop.

A joint statement from Bishop Peter and the Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Rev David Walker, says: "We are grateful to Archbishop Eames and the Commission for all their work in providing such a clear analysis of the situation we face in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

"It sets out proposals for us to live together in Communion whilst recognising that we minister in very different places and situations.

"We urge parishes throughout this diocese to consider the report, and to enable discussions about the issues it raises and to pray about them as we all seek God's guidance in our common life," he added.