Caribbean Archbishop wants pro-gay Bishop to go

The Bishop of Reading has been called to stand down by two senior archbishops from the worldwide Anglican movement because he is a passionate advocate for gay rights. The Archbishop of the West Indies, Drexel Gomez and the Archbishop of Nigeria, Peter Akinola, have called for the appointment of Canon Jeffrey John to be revoked because of his support of same-sex blessings. Archbishop Gomez said, “I was surprised by the appointment of Jeffrey John and I think it is going to do a lot of harm.” Archbishop Gomez, who was the author of a report to the recent meeting of the 38 Archbishops in Brazil which influenced them to oppose the sanctioning of same sex blessings also said, “It would help the Church if he did stand down. His appointment places the Church of England in an invidious position.” Archbishop Akintola told the Church of England Newspaper that Canon John’s appointment would have damaging repercussions globally. Canon John, Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral, was selected to be Suffragan Bishop of Reading by the Bishop of Oxford, Reverend Richard Harries.

Canon John’s previous support for gay and lesbian Christians includes contributing to a prayer book for homosexuals which includes prayers for situations not covered by standard prayer books, such as same-sex blessings and trans-gendered people going through surgery. He is also a co-founder and trustee of Affirming Catholicism, the Church’s liberal movement which was established in 1990. Canon John is due to be consecrated in October, although a petition against his appointment signed by 100 clergy and lay people has been sent to Bishop Harries. Bishop Harries has also received letters in support of Canon John. Reverend Richard Thomas, spokesman for the Oxford parishes, said that John was a fine priest whose focus has been entirely on church growth and mission and because of this “the Diocese of Oxford has welcomed his appointment.”