COLUMBUS, Ohio — Episcopalians at a national assembly began Wednesday to confront the difficult choice before them: whether to preserve unity among Anglicans around the world by temporarily barring gays and lesbians from becoming bishops. Rev. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, speaks at a news conference Wednesday, June 14, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio during the Episcopal General Convention. Robinson says it is unlikely the church’s top policymaking body will create new barriers for homosexual clergy despite turmoil over his 2003 consecration. Joined by national gay rights activists, Robinson urges the convention to reject the moratorium on gay bishops and any discrimination based on sexual orientation. Irate Anglican leaders requested the moratorium on homosexual prelates after the Americans in 2003 consecrated their first openly gay bishop — V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. A key committee drafting the church’s response scheduled a hearing Wednesday night that was expected to draw hundreds of people for an emotional debate. Earlier Wednesday, Robinson joined national gay rights advocates in urging the convention to reject any moratorium. ‘It’s not our job to decide what the Anglican Communion will or will not do in response to our actions,’ […]