LONDON: TOP JOB FOR GAY CLERIC

By Ruth Gledhill

The Times

April 17, 2004

Dr. Jeffrey John, the openly gay canon who withdrew from appointment as Bishop of Reading under pressure in 2003, has been named the next Dean of St. Albans—a senior post in the Church of England that will likely reignite global controversy.

Conservative evangelicals, already on the brink of schism over the consecration of Gene Robinson in the U.S. and same-sex blessings in Canada, called the move “outrageous” and warned it brings the Anglican Communion one step closer to fracture.

John, in a celibate relationship with another Anglican priest, is widely regarded as one of the Church’s most gifted preachers and theologians. His candidacy for Reading last year sparked fierce opposition, despite his adherence to the 1991 Issues in Human Sexuality guidelines.

Archbishop Rowan Williams personally urged him to step aside for the sake of unity. Now, his appointment to St. Albans—reportedly backed by Downing Street—is seen as a quiet reinstatement and possible prelude to future episcopal roles.

Christina Rees, a lay member of the General Synod, praised him as “an excellent theologian” with “very good pastoral and interpersonal skills.”

But David Virtue, evangelical commentator and editor of Virtuosity, retorted:

“This is an outrageous appointment. It is a backdoor attempt to make homosexuality mainstream in the Church of England.”

The move also defies the spirit—if not the letter—of the Lambeth Commission, established by Archbishop Williams to mediate the crisis. Its report is not due until late 2004.

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