Vicar outed during live news discussion by Channel 5 presenter
A popular vicar has been outed as gay by a presenter during a live discussion on 5 News.
Reverend Sally Hitchiner, who is sometimes touted as the inspiration for TV series Rev, had previously been tipped as a contender to become one of the first women Bishops.
According to the Telegraph, Rev Hitchiner was outed when appearing on 5 News to discuss the Church of England’s decision to allow women bishops.
Presenter Matt Barbet accidentally mentioned during the discussion that the reverend – who previously worked closely with now-Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby when he was canon at Coventry Cathedral – happened to be gay.
Speaking afterwards, she said: “I suppose it was bound to come out eventually. My parents know. It is not as if anyone who loves me will be shocked.”
Barbet told the newspaper that his research had mistakenly indicated that Hitchiner was open about her sexuality.
Hitchiner said on social media today: “It feels like a different world this morning… so much happened yesterday. New starts and new futures ahead of us.
“If any friends or colleagues would like to talk about anything that has come up this week please message me privately. Thanks x”
In an interview with a newspaper seven months ago, it was said “she has no children and doesn’t talk about her private life”.
