Gay Dean again tipped to be first openly gay Church of England bishop
The openly gay Dean of St Albans Dr Jeffrey John, has been tipped as a strong contender to become the next Bishop of Monmouth, and would be the first openly-gay Anglican bishop.
According to the Daily Mail, the Very Reverend Jeffrey John could become a bishop next month. The Mail reports that senior insiders believe that Dr John is being considered for the position, despite past controversies.
If offered the position, the Welsh-born theologian would be the first openly-gay Anglican bishop in a civil partnership. The position would require him to remain celibate.
Some have said that Dr John is too outspoken for the position of bishop, while others argue that worshippers could be ready to accept an openly-gay bishop.
This is not the first time Dr John has been tipped for a bishop position, as last month, the church denied that Dr Jeffrey John was set to take the position of Bishop of Durham, dismissing the rumour as “pure speculation.”
The Very Rev Jeffrey John has twice been overlooked to become a bishop due his sexuality. Dr John is in celibate civil partnership.
The 60-year-old, was forced to give up his appointment as Bishop of Reading in 2003 due to his sexuality and was blocked from the post Bishop of Southwark in 2010.
