A gay US bishop - whose appointment last week sparked controversy throughout the 70-million strong global Anglican community - is scheduled to speak in Ireland next month.
Canon Gene Robinson (56) is due to address the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe at their annual retreat in Dingle.
Dr Robinson was elected Bishop Coadjutator of New Hampshire. He is the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican community and lives with his partner of 13 years.
The Limerick and New Hampshire dioceses have developed strong links in recent years and Dr Robinson lectured at the Dingle retreat last year.