The letter supports the traditional Church views that the "proper place for sexual relationship is within marriage" based on the order of Creation where "men and women are seen as complimentary".
The issue of homosexuality has been a hot potato for the Anglican Church since Dr Rowan Williams' appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury last year. Dr Williams is known to be sympathetic to gay Christians in stable relationships.
Mike Homfray is spokesman for the Merseyside Gay and Lesbian Christians group and also covenor of the Changing Attitudes group in the Liverpool Diocese, which works specifically for change within the Anglican church.
He said: "I know Bishop James' views and he knows I disagree with them. I think it is important that people with different perspectives are given the chance to serve as bishops.
"I regard these type of letters as using the tactics of the playground bully.
"Many currently serving bishops don't agree with the current position of the Church."
"More and more people are more aware of gays and lesbians as part of their everyday lives."
What is acceptable sexual behaviour in God's sight?
A LETTER from 9 Diocesan Bishops concerning the appointment of the Bishop of Reading.
THE Church's understanding of scripture and of a long-standing tradition is that the proper place for sexual intercourse, within the life-long relationship of marriage, is the sign and beautiful expression of that union. Intercourse outside marriage undermines the power of that sign.
Any departure from such fundamental teaching must be viewed with grave concern, especially in the case of those who are ordained and called to be examples to God's people.
It is because of such an understanding of human sexuality, that several bishops of the Church of England, as well as many clergy and lay people, have been troubled by the appointment of Dr Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading in the Diocese of Oxford.
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