An Anglican Bishop has been accused of unlawful discrimination because he blocked the appointment of a practising homosexual to a youth worker post within the Church of England.

The homosexual man, backed by ‘gay rights’ activist group Stonewall, is taking the diocese of Hereford to an employment tribunal for discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.

The Bishop of Hereford, Anthony Priddis, did not consent to the appointment in line with the Church of England’s policy of not employing practising homosexuals within the church.

The legal action is being launched under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 – these are different from the Sexual Orientation Regulations which were recently passed by Parliament and which do not directly affect employment.

Although the employment regulations clearly contain protections which allow churches to refuse to employ practising homosexuals, lawyers representing the homosexual man will try to argue that this should only apply to the clergy.

This is an important case which shows how ‘gay rights’ activists want to use the law to force churches to accept practising homosexuals on the staff.

The hearing will open in Cardiff tomorrow (Wednesday 4 April 2007). It will consider various procedural issues as well as the principle at stake. The result will not be known for some weeks.

Please pray:

• That the legal action will be unsuccessful.
• That clear statements will be made by the tribunal which protect the religious liberty of churches.

Read online news reports:
Mail on Sunday
BBC News
The Observer

Yours in Christ,

Colin Hart
Director
The Christian Institute