The Archbishop is confused, as we are to distinguish between a friendship and a (long term and) committed relationship (sounds like marriage except for sex), which is all but marriage (a long term and committed relationship with sex?). Is this not the sexualization of marriage? Or the de-relationalizing of marriage?
What then is marriage?
Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain, a suffragan in Lincoln diocese, was consecrated last year by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby – who has said he knew about the bishop’s sexuality.
He was in a “long-term and committed” relationship, Archbishop Welby said.
Bishop Chamberlain says he obeys Church guidelines, which say gay clergy must remain celibate.
The archbishop also said: “His appointment as bishop of Grantham was made on the basis of his skills and calling to serve the Church in the Diocese of Lincoln.
“He lives within the bishops’ guidelines and his sexuality is completely irrelevant to his office.”
