US bishops rapped on gay clergy stand

LONDON - Advocates on both sides of the Anglican battle over homosexuality registered their unhappiness yesterday with the attempt by US bishops to keep their place in the global communion. Supporters of gay clergy accused American Episcopal bishops of caving in to pressure from conservatives, while traditionalists criticized what they said was a cleverly worded declaration of defiance. Episcopal bishops affirmed Tuesday they would "exercise restraint" by not consenting to any candidate for bishop "whose manner of life presents a challenge" to the church. In a statement released after a six-day meeting in New Orleans, they also pledged not to authorize official prayers to bless same-sex couples. In Africa, Anglican leaders' mixed responses to the statement suggested work remained to prevent an Anglican schism. (AP)

NEW YORK - Norway made a $1 billion pledge yesterday aimed at saving the lives of millions of mothers and babies in developing countries, kicking off former President Bill Clinton's third annual philanthropic summit. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway said the money would be spent in novel ways - such as for paying poor mothers to give birth in clinics - during a campaign targeting Africa. (Reuters)

KATMANDU - Nepal's leading party announced its support yesterday for declaring the country a republic, moving the government a step closer to abolishing the monarchy that has ruled this Himalayan nation for centuries. Leaders of Nepal's largest political party, the Nepali Congress, passed a resolution calling for the special assembly, which is expected to be elected in November, to order the world's last Hindu king to give up his throne, a key demand of former communist rebels, said Sushil Koirala, acting president of the congress. (AP)