Asked what particular actions were being considered, The Nigerian Primate of some 18 million Anglicans said "we will cross that bridge if we get there".

"If ECUSA does what we want fine, if not we will do what we have to do" he said, expressing hope that the Lambeth Commission set up by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams will rule on the matter.

"This is not the fault of ordinary Muslims but Islam is being used by very evil people to do a great deal of damage.

"I think the real challenge is to be rooted in these universal values that make life worth living and work honourable. To reconnect with that great story of what Christ has done for us is the only antidote to despair and cynicism."

Philip Lovegrove, chairman of the Diocesan Board of Finance for over 30 years, and a lay canon of the Cathedral, is among those heading the protest. He said that a delegation of five or six leaders meeting the Bishop next week were likely to begin by pressing him on how he can now be a focus for unity in the diocese after making such a controversial appointment.

He also noted that the matter is "under investigation" with regard to possible clergy violations of diocesan guidelines.