Anglican attitude to gays attacked
16 April 2007 19:43

The Church of England's position on homosexuality was branded a “shambles” yesterday by a member of its own national assembly from Norwich.

Susan Johns, who represents the Diocese of Norwich on the General Synod, said she could not understand the situation whereby gay clergy were punished for being open and honest about their sexuality, whereas it was acceptable if they covered it up.

She was giving evidence at an employment tribunal in Cardiff brought by former Diocese of Norwich youth worker John Reaney, who was turned down for the same position by the Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Rev Anthony Priddis, in July of last year.

Mr Reaney, a 41-year-old committed Christian from Colwyn Bay, north Wales, believes his sexuality cost him the job and is claiming unlawful discrimination against the Hereford Diocesan Board of Finance under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003. the rest