"If bishops have not had a decent record as ordinary parish priests, how may they truly be leaders in mission?'' he asked. ''How may they manage missionary growth? Do they understand the pressures placed on clergy today and have they spent substantial time at the coal face of ministry and mission?"

Preaching in an east London church, the former archbishop, who initiated the much criticised "decade of evangelism" in the 1990s, exempted his successor at Canterbury from criticism.

I feel truly humbled to be part of such a fellowship; and I could not help thinking (and sharing with Phoebe) that the way forward for us at the present time [insert reference to whatever crisis is currently dividing the Episcopal Church] is not to seek a common mind on the issues which divide us, but rather to go forward being Church.

The decision is likely to reopen the row over homosexuality that has split the worldwide Anglican communion. It may also overshadow an international meeting of senior bishops next month designed to heal rifts between liberals and conservatives over the issue.

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement estimates that within five years 1,500 homosexual Anglican clergy will have registered under the new law, which comes into force on December 5.

By word and action he has challenged essentials of faith including the nature of revelation, the person and work of Jesus, the authority of Scripture, and human sexuality. In June 2003, he ordained two non-celibate homosexuals to the diaconate.

At General Convention 2003, he voted to confirm the election of V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire; voted for approval of the blessing of same-sex unions; and voted against a resolution upholding the authority of Scripture.