Sydney's Voice of Tradition

The archbishops of Nigeria and Uganda had not been expecting a difficult question about homosexuality. At a press conference in Jerusalem where they had criticized Bible teaching in the US, the two conservative clergymen were taken aback by accusations about the mistreatment of gays and lesbians in their countries.

It was left to a hitherto unknown Australian, Peter Jensen, to intervene. His deft handling of the question - condemning violence in general while sidestepping the specifics - pushed the 11th Anglican archbishop of Sydney into the spotlight. Since that moment, at the conservative Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon), Jensen has insisted he is not the leader of the movement and is merely using the gifts of communication given to him by God.

Despite his protestations, he has certainly become one of the best known faces and voices of the new movement. Back home, he is known for his stern views on premarital sex, euthanasia, drugs, homosexuality and liberal interpretations of scripture. He supported John Howard, the former prime minister of Australia, for his stance on gay adoption and abortion.

His opinions do not sit well with the decision taken in Australia last September to consecrate women bishops. As a chief opponent of the move, his diocese warned of "difficulties around the church for decades to come".

He explained his reasons were due to his reading of scripture. "As I read the Bible, just as in the home, I think it is true to say there are mothers and fathers," he said in an interview. "I think the church is a bit like a family and I think there is a distinction between male leadership and female leadership in the family."

As the Anglican leader of Sydney, he has influence, but not authority, over other dioceses in New South Wales, some of which will want to consecrate women bishops.

His involvement with Gafcon has worried Australian bishops, who fear for the "peaceful relationships" between Sydney and its neighbors.