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A third of Church of England bishops are gay, priest claims
Anglican clergy are expressly banned, under church doctrine as well as in law, from marrying same-sex couples in a church
By Joe Morgan
http://www.gaystarnews.com/
March 26, 2014
A third of Church of England bishops are allegedly gay, according to a clergyman.
As same-sex marriage becomes a reality in England and Wales on 29 March, many religious leaders are speaking out for and against the unions.
Anglican clergy are expressly banned, under church doctrine as well as in law, from marrying same-sex couples in a church.
But as reported by the Daily Beast, an anonymous clergyman has revealed that homosexuality may be more prevalent in the church than some may think.
They write: ‘A clergyman, who did not wish to be named, claimed that at least 13 of the church’s 42 bishops were also gay, although they have not publicly acknowledged it.’
There are 42 bishops in the Church of England, who have a diocese and can vote in the House of Lords.
None of them are openly gay.
Only one bishop has publicly announced his support for same-sex marriage.
Back in May last year, Nicholas Holtam said: ‘The development of marriage for same-sex couples is a very strong endorsement of the institution of marriage.’
While some members of the Church of England are deeply opposed to same-sex marriage, some are breaking all the rules.
Father Andrew Cain, who runs two churches in London, will be marrying his same-sex partner on the first day of gay marriage.
‘Gay people have very often a heightened sensitivity to things of beauty and spirituality,’ he suggested, in response to the claim.
‘There are an awful lot of gay people in the church.’
END
