THE TELEGRAPH: An openly gay cleric is in line to become a bishop, in a move that could plunge the Anglican Communion into fresh crisis over homosexuality.
The Very Rev Jeffrey John was appointed Bishop of Reading five years ago but was forced to stand down by the Archbishop of Canterbury, a personal friend of his, after the election sparked outrage among conservatives.
He was later made the Dean of St Albans but is now being considered for the post of Bishop of Bangor in North Wales, following the death of the previous incumbent from cancer in June.
Insiders believe 55-year-old Dr John is highly likely to be chosen, because he is a Welsh speaker as well as being a respected theologian.
In addition, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, recently admitted he would support the election of a gay bishop despite opposition among orthodox Anglicans and guidelines stating that practising homosexuals should not become clergy.
His appointment would likely deepen the crisis in the 80 million-strong worldwide church over homosexuality. Gay Cleric Jeffrey John Could Become Britain's First Openly Homosexual Bishop >>> By Martin Beckford Religious Affairs Correspondent | September 1, 2008
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Gay Priest Dr Jeffrey John Could Become a Bishop in Wales >>> By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent | September 1, 2008
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