The Evangelical Fellowship
for Lesbian and Gay Christians

A coalition of inclusive Christian groups, including Evangelical Fellowship, issued a press release concerning the consecration of two women bishops in Los Angeles.

The press release is as follows:-

Both recent meetings of the Crown Nominations Commission to choose a new bishop for the Diocese of Southwark have been the subject of serious leaks to a newspaper. This has resulted in huge personal pain and distress for one candidate, Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, for the second time in seven years. It is particularly outrageous that some senior church officials have suggested the leaks were engineered by supporters of Dr John, rather than by those opposed to his nomination.

It has brought the Church of England into even further disrepute with the general public, who will regard it rightly or wrongly, as another example of the blatant homophobia that exists in the Church.

Once again the Church has failed to act with courage. The whole Commission must be held responsible for this, regardless of whether the source of the leak was an elected member, an ex-officio member, or one of the staff in attendance at what is supposed to be a totally confidential meeting.

It is essential that a thorough independent enquiry be held immediately to determine who was responsible. There should also be an urgent review of the process of appointing bishops, as the present arrangements are not fit for purpose, and an open and transparent procedure is clearly necessary.

Notes for Editors

1. The Anglican Coalition is here to provide UK-based Christian LGBT organisations with opportunities to create resources for the Anglican community and to develop a shared voice for the full acceptance of LGBT people in the Anglican Communion.

2. The Coalition members are:

Accepting Evangelicals
www.acceptingevangelicals.org

Changing Attitude
www.changingattitude.org.uk

The Clergy Consultation
www.clergyconsultation.org

Courage
www.courage.org.uk

The Evangelical Fellowship for Lesbian and Gay Christians
www.eflgc.org.uk

Inclusive Church
www.inclusivechurch2.net

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement
www.lgcm.org.uk

The Sibyls
www.sibyls.co.uk

3. For more information contact: Revd Canon Giles Goddard 07762 373 674 or Simon Sarmiento on 07906 445695 or the LGBT Anglican Coalition Website www.lgbtac.org.uk

Dated: 8th July 2010