HE APPOINTMENT of Dr Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading has caused some anxiety, understandably, amongst those committed to historic, orthodox Christianity. As Canon Theologian of Southwark, a diocese with a reputation for liberal and radical expressions of Christianity, Dr John has expressed views on homosexuality which go beyond the teaching of the Church of England and of most other mainstream Christian churches. According to the New Testament, all Christians are called to live chastely, whether unmarried or within the married state. Any falling short of this standard, as in other areas of the Christian life, is best dealt with through spiritual direction and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Those who are ordained bishop in the Church of England are required to make the Declaration of Assent and satisfactorily to answer the questions required of them by the Ordinal. There can be no other tests of orthodoxy required of a Church of England bishop though, inevitably, the life and doctrine of all those in public life are under continued scrutiny. There is an essential difference between the freedom of an academic theologian to dissent from the tradition received and the responsibility of a bishop to guard the historic faith.

Dr John understands this difference and has expressed his determination to abide by the Church of England House of Bishops' document Issues in Human Sexuality, the present agreed statement.

We pray then for Jeffrey John that, with his many gifts, he may be a sound teacher of the faith and a faithful and godly pastor of Christ's flock.

+ Andrew Ebbsfleet
Ascension Day 2003

The Bishop of Ebbsfleet
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