(Updated) Gay cleric Jeffrey John speaks out: My homosexuality was the only reason I was blocked as Bishop of Llandaff
by Harry Farley, Christian Today:
A prominent gay cleric’s homosexuality was the only reason he was blocked from becoming a bishop, he has claimed.
Canon Jeffrey John was favourite to be Bishop of Llandaff but was subject to ‘a number of homophobic remarks’ during the appointment process before being eventually rejected by bishops, he said.
In an unusual move, Dr John, who is currently Dean of St Albans Cathedral, wrote an open letter to the senior Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, complaining at his treatment which he said was a ‘clear and ludicrous breach of process’.
Referring to the initial decision process he said: ‘In the course of discussion a number of homophobic remarks were made and were left unchecked and unreprimanded by the chair.
‘Much more importantly, the only arguments adduced against my appointment – in particular by two of the bishops – were directly related to my homosexuality and/or civil partnership – namely that my appointment would bring unwelcome and unsettling publicity to the diocese, and that it might create difficulties for the future Archbishop in relation to the Anglican Communion.’
‘Homophobia’ row over Bishop of Llandaff selection – BBC News
Anglican clergyman accuses Church in Wales of homophobia – Harriet Sherwood, Guardia
Cleric Jeffrey John allegedly denied promotion in the church because of sexuality, Pink News
Dean Jeffrey John and the Bishops of the church in Wales, OneBodyOneFaith
Jeffrey John replies to exclusion from Llandaff: ‘This is how discrimination works’ by Madeleine Davies, Church Times
Church in Wales urged to rethink rejection of gay candidate for bishop by Harriet Sherwood, Guardian
Bishop of Llandaff sexuality row ‘wholly wrong’ from BBC
Gay bishop Jeffrey John accuses church leaders of homophobia, St Albans and Harpenden Review
Statement by the Chapter of St Albans Cathedral
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