LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria's Anglican archbishop has launched an outspoken attack on the primate of Ireland, saying his recent comments could widen the gulf between liberals and traditionalists over gay rights in the world Anglican Communion.

Peter Akinola also challenged Robin Eames to prove allegations of corruption the Irish archbishop made against the Nigerian and some other Anglican primates.

"I do agree with you that the path ahead of us is difficult to predict but your statements have added to our problems," the Nigerian primate said in an open letter to Eames.

"If you have any evidence of such financial inducements I challenge you, in the name of God, to reveal them or make a public apology," Akinola said, adding that the allegations "are outrageous, uncharitable and untrue".

The ordination of a gay U.S. bishop and the blessing of same-sex marriages in Canada in 2003 sparked the row threatening the 77 million-strong Anglican Communion.

Eames, who headed a task force that tried to resolve the differences between liberals and conservatives, said on a recent visit to the United States that the Episcopal Church there had met and exceeded some of the conditions set by his committee.

The Irish primate, who recommended that Anglican provinces give up some of their autonomy in the interest of the Communion, also criticised recent actions of the Nigerian church, including the opening of its doors to Anglicans opposed to the advancement of gay rights in Western churches.

In February, a majority of Anglican leaders asked the U.S. and Canadian clerics to withdraw from a key global council for at least three years, in a bid to buy time as debate roils the 450-year-old church.

But Akinola, the most vocal critic of liberal Anglicans, said while there was a temporary moratorium on episcopal consecrations, the continued blessing of same-sex marriages in the United States and Canada has continued.

"We all know that this is no more than a brief cessation of provocative actions and that no permanent change of mind is intended," Akinola said in the letter posted on the church's website.

The Nigerian church -- the second largest Anglican community after Britain and the most strident anti-gay voice -- said in September it had deleted all references to Canterbury in its constitution.

The changes were aimed at giving legal backing to the Convocation of Anglican Nigerians in America formed to accommodate thousands of the faithful who no longer feel welcome to worship in liberal churches.

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