Church of England document to offer guidance on future gay bishops

June 21, 2011

 The Church of England is due to publish on advice regarding the criteria for gay clergy to become bishops, which includes remaining celibate even if in a civil partnership.

The document states that although it is wrong to discriminate against gay men, future candidates must declare that they are celibate and promise to refrain from sexual activity.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, last year said that he has “no problem” with gay men becoming bishops on the condition they remain celibate.

The Church of England was nonetheless accused of discrimination and has been grappling with how to address UK equality legislation.

The guidance by the Church will be in response to the Equality Act, which protects LGB on the grounds of sexual orientation.

“There is no statement of the position of the Church of England that declares that a celibate person in a civil partnership cannot be considered for appointment as a bishop,” the document states.

“A person’s sexual orientation is, in itself, irrelevant to their suitability for episcopal office or indeed ordained ministry more generally.

“It would, therefore, be wrong if, during a CNC or a selection process for a suffragan see, account were taken of the fact that a candidate had identified himself as of gay sexual orientation.”

The document further states that the Church should consider whether a candidate “had always complied with the Church’s teaching on same-sex sexual activity” or “whether he had expressed repentance for any previous same-sex sexual activity.”