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 been in a same-sex relationship for twenty years.
We value, of course, the gift of same-sex friendship and if this relationship is one of companionship and sexual abstinence, then, we rejoice.
We warmly commend such relationships to the Church as a whole. 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.
More widely, the appointment appears to prejudice the outcome of the Church's reflection on these matters.
We have been repeatedly assured that the House of Bishops' position stated in Issues in Human Sexuality has not changed.
A major study guide to this document is to be published towards the end of this year. It does not, we are assured, seek to change the Church's mind on the matter.
Yet, in view of his previous teaching, Dr John's statement that he now stands by Issues has to be received somewhat cautiously.
We must, therefore, express our concern because of the Church's constant teaching, in the light of scripture and because of the basic ordering of men and women in creation.
We must also express our concern because of our responsibility for the Church's unity, both in this country and throughout the world.
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