WOODBRIDGE, Va. A powerful Anglican leader from Nigeria installed a bishop this weekend to lead the conservative U.S. parish network he created, another sign of the continuing rift in the church.

Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria went ahead with his plans yesterday in Virginia, even though the Archbishop of Canterbury tried to intercede.

Bishop Martyn Minns, a former Episcopal clergyman, was given full leadership of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, which Akinola started last December as an alternative to the liberal-leaning Episcopal Church.

The communion is on the verge of splitting up because of differences over Scripture, including whether the Bible bars gay relationships. The rift broke wide open in 2003 when Episcopalians consecrated their first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

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