Gay Bishop Barred From Cathedral

by Peter Moore
London Bureau


The first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal faith has been banned from preaching at a cathedral in the UK.

Gene Robinson, the bishop of New Hampshire was to have led a service during a conference in Manchester by the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, the LGBT group of British Anglicans.

The Episcopal Church is the American wing of the worldwide Anglican faith. Robinson's election last month (story) has sent shockwaves through the faith with traditional Anglicans calling for churches which support gay clergy and same-sex relationships to be thrown out. The strains in the Church, particularly in Africa, have become so serious the Archbishop of Canterbury has called a meeting of bishops from around the world to be held next month in London.

In rescinding its agreement to hold the service at which Robinson was to preach a statement from Manchester Cathedral said that it has "reluctantly withdrawn its permission" for the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement to hold the service on October 26.

The action was taken, the statement said, "in the light of sensitivities and timing in relation to the current debates in the Church of England and the Anglican Communion".

The LGCM will go ahead with its 3 day conference to be held at Manchester University.

"The Anglican Communion is committed to listen to lesbian and gay people yet it seems even when we try to lift our voices in adoration of God, we are to be silenced," said the Rev Richard Kirker, general secretary of the LGCM.

Kirker urged the Manchester Cathedral Chapter to "reconsider this breach of trust".