Church of England denies ‘blacklisting’ clergy who marry same-sex partners

The Church of England has denied that it is keeping a secret blacklist of clergy who have married their same-sex partners.

The House of Bishops banned gay clergy from marrying earlier this year,but to date the ban has been publicly flouted by at least two members of the clergy.

Hospital chaplain Jeremy Pemberton married his partner Laurence Cunnington in April, while last week London vicar Andrew Cain married Steve Foreshaw.

No public action has been taken against either on behalf of the Church as a whole, but last week it emerged that Pemberton’s Permission to Officiate has been revoked by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Richard Inwood.

The church has now denied reports that the Bishop of Norwich, Graham James, has been maintaining a blacklist of all gay clergy who have married, in order to block them from future positions.

A statement from the church said: “The recent press report that the Bishop of Norwich has been asked to keep a blacklist of clergy who marry same sex partners is untrue.

“The House of Bishops agreed in February to establish a small informal monitoring and reference group which is available to diocesan bishops who may wish for information or advice. The group has no formal powers.

“The Archbishops of Canterbury and York asked the Bishop of Norwich to chair the group and for the Bishops of Sheffield and Willesden to be members.”

• Dec 06 2023

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