From here:
A controversial gay dean has threatened to take the Church of England to court after he was blocked from becoming a bishop.
The Very Rev Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, has instructed an eminent employment lawyer to complain to Church officials after being rejected for the role of Bishop of Southwark.
Sources say the dean, one of the most contentious figures in the Church, believes he could sue officials under the Equality Act 2010, which bans discrimination on the grounds of sexuality. Such a case could create a damaging new rift within the CoE.
[…..]
Dr John has instructed Alison Downie, partner and head of employment at London lawyers Goodman Derrick, to write to the Commission to suggest it risks breaching gay equality laws if it is blocking the dean over his homosexuality.
Even if his homosexuality didn’t disqualify the Very Rev Jeffrey John from becoming a bishop, in appealing to secular laws to make his case, he surely further disqualifies himself by demonstrating that he prefers manmade secular authority to the church’s authority.
If he’s successful, John should, at his consecration, not be asked “Do you believe that God is calling you to this ministry?” but, instead: “Do you believe that the Equality Act is calling you to this ministry?”
Did nobody advise Dean John concerning the ‘law’ of unintended consequences? It will now be impossible for him to be preferred to the episcopacy without a serious suggestion of political taint to his vocation.
Given now this display of poor judgement, might it be possible that his sexual orientation was in fact not the ONLY reason for him being passed over ? Perhaps not: is it more likely that some among the homosexual community may have persuaded him against his better judgement? At worst, is this gentle, decent man being used as a ‘stalking horse’ for the cause?
There seems no possibility that this will turn out well for anyone.
If he’s so keen on becoming a bishop, he should emigrate, either to the U.S. or Canada, where the local ‘mainstream” Anglican (or Episcopal)Church apparently welcomes gay bishops.
What an incredibly selfish action.