38 per cent of Synod back gay clergy

ALMOST 40 per cent of General Synod members believe gay clergy should be allowed sexual partners, the results of the inaugural Church of England Newspaper survey have found. A total of 38 per cent of those that took part in the poll said this should be permitted, while 53 per cent opposed such a move, and nine per cent said they did not know what course of action should be taken.

The results highlight the polarised nature of the issue in the Church of England which is already threatening to divide the worldwide Anglican Communion. Tim Hind, pictured, a lay Synod member for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, was one of the 38 per cent who said yes, and said he felt Scripture was unclear on the issue. He added: “I happen to differ from the House of Bishops statement in this respect, I think we need to concentrate really hard on spreading the good news of the gospel and not agonising over the things people do. “It’s more to do with individuals’ relationships with God and each other, and if two people are in a loving relationship that’s the most important thing. “It’s natural as it’s the way God has made people.” Read more
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