[Anglican Communion News Service] The secretary general of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has moved to clarify any misunderstanding among Anglican provinces around the world after news emerged at the weekend of the first English bishop to declare that he is gay and in a relationship.

The suffragan bishop of Grantham in the Diocese of Lincoln, the Rt. Rev. Nicholas Chamberlain, told the British media he had adhered to church guidelines under which gay clergy must be celibate and cannot marry. He said his sexuality was no secret and was part of who he was – but it was his ministry that he wanted to focus on.

Idowu-Fearon said: “It is clear that Bishop Nicholas has abided by the guidelines set down by the church. In fact, his lifestyle would make him acceptable to serve the church at any time in its history. I reject the suggestion that his appointment is an ‘error’.”

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