Deep Regret At Decision Of Bishop-Elect To Stand Down

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th Jul 2003

David Rendel MP has expressed deep regret at the decision of the Bishop-elect of Reading, Canon Jeffrey John, to stand down.

Mr Rendel said:

"I have every sympathy for Canon John, in view of the appalling pressure he has been put under. But this is a sad day for the Church of England, quite apart from our wider society. I raised this issue in the House of Commons last week, and there was broad support from across all parties for Canon John's appointment. Sadly, while society has moved on, it appears that major elements of the Church have not and instead remain wedded to policies of intolerance and prejudice."

Notes: Mr Rendel intervened at Question Time in the House of Commons last week to urge support for Canon John. A number of other MPs also raised concerns about the issue, including the importance of non-discrimination in appointment procedures. Mr Rendel articulated the mood of the House when he asked Mr Stuart Bell MP - who answers questions for the Church Commissioners in the House of Commons - to report back to the Church Commissioners that "a great deal of concerted opinion has been expressed in the House during Question Time that the appointment of the Bishop of Reading was good and should certainly be allowed to proceed". Mr Rendel asked if Mr Bell agreed "that any indication that the Church of England discriminates on the grounds of sexual orientation when appointing bishops would be against the best interests of the Church itself". Replying on behalf of the Church Commissioners, who are answerable to Parliament for the conduct of the Church of England, Mr Bell confirmed that the appointment had been approved by Her Majesty the Queen. Under 1574 and 1898 Acts of Parliament, once this has happened, the Archbishop is legally obliged - in the absence of any lawful impediment - to proceed with the consecration.