UK To Get Gay Bishop – Maybe?
UK To Get Gay Bishop – Maybe?
There could be uproar in England’s religious circles in the next couple of weeks, that threatens to completely split and fracture the Church of England if an openly gay man is appointed Bishop of Southwark.
Dr Jeffrey John, the Dean of St Albans, is said to be among a number of clergy nominated for the post of Bishop of Southwark, a top London position in the church.
His supporters say he’s clearly the right man for the job in such a liberal and diverse diocese. But, those traditionalists, like Canon Chris Sugden claim his appointment would lose the allegiance of orthodox parishes and clergy. It’s the age old conflict over homosexuality and the ordination of gay clergy has threatened to split the Anglican church for a number of years.
Conservatives insist the Bible unequivocally condemns and outlaws homosexuality, while those more liberal believe the Bible should be reinterpreted in the light of contemporary wisdom, society has changed a great deal in the last 50 to 100 years!
In 2003 Dr John was forced to step down from becoming Bishop of Reading because of his sexuality after protests from traditionalists. However he entered a civil partnership in 2006, despite the church not sanctioning or recognizing such partnerships.
“”It is breaking the law of the Church in the sense of Christian teaching… the teaching still is that active homosexual practice is not compatible with the teaching of scripture,” said the Canon on radio this morning.
The whole ‘gays in the church’ argument has come to public attention again after it was revealed Dr John is on a list of candidates being considered by the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) to replace the Rt Rev Dr Tom Butler, who retired earlier this year as Bishop of Southwark. A decision is expected to be made next week, when two names are given to the Queen via the Prime Minster, in order of preference.
Jason Shaw
UK Correspondent for GayAgenda.com
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