The churches, whose leaders have been meeting in Kenya, expressed "total and absolute disgust and deepest regret at the unfortunate decision" of Canada's Anglican Church, which last week affirmed the "integrity and sanctity" of same-sex relationships.

The church deferred a decision on whether such relationships could be blessed until 2007. The question of same-sex marriage is not even on the agenda.

The world's 70 million Anglicans are deeply divided following last year's decision by the US Episcopal Church to name Gene Robinson, a homosexual, as bishop of New Hampshire.

African church leaders have warned that unless the US bishops rescind their decision to recognise Robinson's ministry, they would remove themselves from the communion.

Homosexuality is taboo across the continent and still illegal in many of its 53 states.

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