Church warned of split if it relaxes teaching on gay relationships

It will review whether current teaching on homosexuality should be relaxed and also rule on allowing gay clergy in civil partnerships to be bishops.

Leading conservatives warned that the Church would split if the bishops attempt to weaken its policy that active same-sex relationships are wrong.

While liberals argued that the position is untenable at present, they expressed disappointment that the Church announced it would ban gay clergy from becoming bishops until the review is finished next year.

Speaking on behalf of the bishops, the Rt Rev Graham James, the Bishop of Norwich, said the Church needed to update its attitude to clergy in civil partnerships from the last statement made in 2005, which did not clarify whether they could be made bishops.

“Contrary to popular perception the House of Bishops has spent very little time over recent years discussing homosexuality,” he said.

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