FARNHAM'S most senior clergyman has backed the gay Bishop of Reading, Canon Jeffrey John.
Rev Andrew Tuck, rector of St Andrew's Church, who was invited by The Herald to comment on Dr John's divisive appointment, said in a written statement: "The sexual orientation of a person is a private matter for each individual. The Bishop elect should be judged on his qualities as a Christian pastor, leader and teacher and not on his sexuality.
"I respect the Bishop of Oxford in nominating Canon Jeffrey John. He clearly thinks he is the best candidate for the job, regardless of his sexuality, and I am very pleased that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has endorsed the appointment. From what I know of Canon John, he is a man of deep spirituality, learning, and with the ability to communicate the Christian Gospel. I deeply regret that his appointment has caused so much pain and turmoil."
Dr John is due to be ordained as Bishop of Reading on October 9. He has been in a relationship with a man for 27 years but says he is now celibate.
The furore over his likely appointment depends on how the Bible is interpreted, said Rev Tuck.
"With regards to homosexuality, the relevant references in the Old Testament are in Genesis and Leviticus. In the New Testament, the Gospels say nothing about homosexuality."