Update: Homosexual cleric blocked from becoming bishop
Prime Minister David Cameron will give his backing to an openly homosexual cleric who has been shortlisted for the next Bishop of Southwark. Dr Jeffrey John, the Dean of St Albans, is among a number of clergy nominated for the post after a confidential meeting chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. Dr John is seen as the front-runner for the Southwark job. He entered a civil partnership in 2006 but has stated he lives a celibate life.
The Prime Minister has been actively promoting the homosexual rights agenda since he was elected leader of the Conservative Party. He has promoted homosexual candidates within the party and recently held a homosexual pride event at Downing Street.
The move has upset many members of the Church who warned that it could by seriously divisive and damaging. The Rev Paul Dawson commented: ‘Our view is that it would be a very serious step for the Church of England if he were to become a bishop and that it would cause very serious damage within the Church of England itself. We think that if this were to happen, then the sort of split that has happened in America would be precipitated here.’
Canon Chris Sugden also said that the appointment of Dr John would threaten the allegiance of orthodox parishes and clergy in the Diocese. He noted on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that there were important reasons why Dr John should not be the Bishop of Southwark, including his active homosexual relationship a number of years ago that he has not repented of.
The Crown Nominations Commission, the body responsible for selecting bishops, meets on the 5th and 6th of July 2010 to decide on two names, in order of preference, to submit to David Cameron as the new Bishop of Southwark. If the Prime Minister gives his approval towards Dr. John then it is up to the Queen to give final consent.