Two gay priests on shortlists to become bishops

He’s been named on the short list for the role in the Diocese of Brechin in Scotland.

The development comes 15 years after he was nominated as Bishop of Reading but stood aside after the then Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams asked him to withdraw from the process in order to avoid a church split.

Reports since suggest he’s been put forward a number of times but to fall at the final hurdle. Last year his nomination as Bishop of Llandaff was blocked by Welsh bishops.

Jeffrey John entered into a civil partnership with Grant Holmes in 2006 after a 30 year relationship. They have stated their relationship is celibate.

There are three other candidates left in the selection process to become Bishop of Brechin. The election is due to take place in June.

Commenting on the short-list of candidates the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Most Rev Mark Strange, said: “I thank members of the Preparatory Committee for the work they have done and am delighted that four candidates are being nominated to the Electoral Synod.

“We hope that the discernment in the Electoral Synod will enable them to elect a new bishop who will lead the Diocese of Brechin in its future ministry and mission, and hold each of the candidates and the Diocese in our prayers during this process.”

Also shortlisted is Rev Christopher Newlands from Lancaster.

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