Church of England bishop declares he is in a gay relationship
'Sexuality is part of who I am, but it’s my ministry that I want to focus on'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Church of England bishop has come out as gay and in a relationship with a long term partner.
The sexuality of Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, has been known for some time within the Church.
But he revealed his identity on his own terms after a Sunday newspaper planned to identify him.
“It was not my decision to make a big thing about coming out,” Bishop Chamberlain told the Guardian.
He continued: “People know I’m gay, but it’s not the first thing I’d say to anyone. Sexuality is part of who I am, but it’s my ministry that I want to focus on.”
Bishop Chamberlain also said the people involved in his consecration in November 2015 “knew about my sexual identity.”
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Church, issued a statement to the newspaper in support of the bishop.
He said: “I am and have been fully aware of Bishop Nick’s long-term, committed relationship. His appointment as bishop of Grantham was made on the basis of his skills and calling to serve the church in the diocese of Lincoln. He lives within the bishops’ guidelines and his sexuality is completely irrelevant to his office.”
Bishop Chamberlain was appointed to his position by bishop of Lincoln, Christopher Lowson. Bishop Lowson also voiced his support for the clergyman in letters to his parishes.
“I am satisfied now, as I was at the time of his appointment, that Bishop Nicholas fully understands, and lives by, the House of Bishops’ guidance on issues in human sexuality,” Bishop Lowson wrote.
“For me, and for those who assisted in his appointment, the fact that Bishop Nicholas is gay is not, and has never been, a determining factor.”
A Church of England spokesman said: "Nicholas has not misled anyone and has been open and truthful if asked. The matter is not secret, although it is private as is the case with all partnerships/relationships."
Despite having a partner, Bishop Chamberlain maintained his relationship was celibate, as per Church rules.
There has been lingering division in the Church of England about the place of gay clergy members. While some of the leadership has in recent years advocated a tolerant approach, other more traditionalist bishops have called for a more literal biblical view on homosexuality.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments