Gay Anglican cleric rejected as Church of England bishop?
July 08, 2010
A prominent homosexual cleric has been passed over for the second time after being considered for appointment as a bishop of the Church of England, according to multiple media reports.
Rev. Jeffrey John had been considered the leading candidate for an appointment to head the Southwark diocese. But a nominating committee, which included the Archbishop of Canterbury, decided not to select him.
The appointment of an openly homosexual bishop would have roused intense opposition from more conservative members of the Church of England. However, the decision not to appoint Rev. John will draw intense protests from liberal Anglicans and gay-rights advocates.
Rev. John had been passed over once before, in 2003, when the conservative opposition to his candidacy for an episcopal opening in the Reading diocese prompted him to withdraw from consideration.
Rev. John, who is the dean of St. Alban’s cathedral, registered a civil union with his longtime partner, another Anglican priest, in 2006. The pair say that their relationship is celibate, in conformity with Anglican teachings.
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Further information:
- Dean Jeffrey John, leading gay cleric, rejected as next Bishop of Southwark (Daily Telegraph)
- News reports: gay priest rejected for UK bishopric (AP)
- Gay Anglican blocked from becoming bishop: reports (AFP)
- Gay clergyman blocked from becoming bishop (Guardian)
- Gay bishop's appointment could fuel Anglican disputes (CWN, 7/5)
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