One minister who recently expressed interest in an incumbency in an urban parish with a large Muslim population was told by the diocesan bishop that his 'male headship credentials' would not fit. This minister did not need to be 'flushed out' because he had been open about his Reform membership.

Arguably, the most disturbing aspect of this recent development in the Church of England is that support for female ordination is now being treated as a first order issue in appointments. For some curates in training posts this potentially means homelessness if they cannot find an incumbency.

Given the reality for applicants who hold to the 'complementarian' view of the equality yet difference between the sexes, curates would surely be advised to be honest about where they stand. Why wait to be 'flushed out' if you truly believe the male headship stance is an honorable one with substantial biblical support?

The end of a time-limited curacy in tied accommodation is of course difficult, particularly for a minister with a young family. The temptation to downplay an appointment handicap is entirely understandable. But surely it would be a very unusual archdeacon unable to spot from a CV a complementarian applicant when he or she saw one.

If you believe our Lord Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit has inspired those parts of the New Testament that speak of male headship for the good of His church, then what have you to be ashamed of? Would not an unburdened conscience ease the anxiety of the appointment process?

Meanwhile, do not large, well-resourced Reform churches have a moral responsibility financially to support these excellent young ministers of Christ's Word and Sacrament, now being barred from incumbencies because of their biblical convictions?

Julian Mann is vicar of the Parish Church of the Ascension, Oughtibridge, South Yorkshire, UK - www.oughtibridgechurch.org.uk