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?”