Anglican leaders will gather in Tanzania later this week to duke it out on the international churches most divisive issues, particularly the institution's stance on the homos. It will certainly be an eventful weekend, as more conservative leaders take a stand against Presiding Episcopal Bishop Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson. Of those leaders, Nigerian archbishop and virulent homophobe Peter Akinola's voice will undoubtedly be the loudest. Before Akinola wears out his vocal cords, however, a number of Nigerian activists are asking him to raise his fist against the African nation's proposed ban on homosexuality.

You may recall the long-dormant bill got a breath of fresh air a few months back, a resurrection Nigerian activists blame on the British-based Outrage! and other international gay rights organizations. Regardless of who's to blame, the discriminatory documents will effectively outlaw same-sex relations. In a list ditch effort, pro-gay Christian non-profit, Changing Attitude Nigeria has penned a desperate letter to Akinola and his allies.

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New Episcopal Church leader Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori spoke to CNN's Kyra Phillips this afternoon. On the topical agenda? Gays, gays, gay!

Schori's official position: they're people too. In a surprisingly rational explanation (for a religious leader), Schori explains that the Bible's teachings are sometimes outdated; when it comes to food, we long ago abandoned the doctrine. Why shouldn't the same be done when it comes to gay men and women? (We apologize in advance for the shoddy film quality.)

First they consecrate an openly gay bishop. Next they elect the first female leader in the religion's history. Clearly, changes are afoot inside the Episcopal Church — but likely only in the U.S. In Europe and Africa, meanwhile, things aren't looking so liberal. Which is why America's sect of the Anglican Communion could soon see itself split from the rest of the world.

When Katherine Jefferts Schori was elected Sunday to become head of the 2.2 million member U.S. denomination, shock waves were felt throughout the church. Not only is she a woman, she's pro-gay; she gave Gene Robinson her vote to help him become the New Hampshire leader three years ago.

But this liberal series of changes is, according to all accounts, creating a "schism" (every journalist's favorite word here) inside the 77 million member church. Outside the U.S., and particularly in Africa, Schori's acceptance of gays in the church seems to be the paramount problem. And because of her acceptance of all people, the church is on the verge of splitting into two distinct groups. Some say it already has.

Anglicans face gloomy prediction of schism [Reuters]