THE Bishops of Liverpool and Chester have spoken of their "grave concern" at the appointment of a homosexual theologian to a senior position within the Anglican Church.
The Rt Revs James Jones and Dr Peter Forster yesterday entered the fierce debate on homosexuality which is threatening to cause a huge rift within the established church.
It was prompted by the decision of the Bishop of Oxford to appoint Dr Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading three weeks ago.
Dr John, a campaigner for gay Christian rights, has admitted to being in a same sex relationship for 20 years but now says he respects the Church's position that gay priests should be celibate.
But that has not stopped evangelicals calling for Dr John to withdraw his acceptance of the position.
The Church of England's Evangelical Council urged him to step down out of "consideration for the unity of the Church".
Now Bishops James Jones and Peter Forster have joined seven others in a joint letter in which they express their concern at the appointment.
They say they have decided to enter the debate to encourage those of "orthodox persuasion" that many bishops share their serious concerns on the issue but without making "any threats or demands".
The letter, sent to the Daily Post, said: "Dr John has many admirable qualities for the work of a bishop. But the issue is 'what is acceptable sexual behaviour in God's sight?' By his own admission, he has had a same-sex relationship for 20 years.
"We value of course the gift of same sex friendship and if his relationship is one of companionship and sexual abstinance, then we rejoice.
"We are glad at the reassurances from the Bishop of Oxford that Jeffrey John's life is now celibate.
"But it is the history of the relationship, as well as Dr John's severe criticism of orthodox teaching, which gives concern."
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