AN unresolved battle about gay clergy within the Church of Ireland is threatening to erupt after the News Letter’s revelation that a senior cleric entered a civil partnership.
The Very Rev Tom Gordon’s same-sex union, which was reported for the first time on Saturday, led to weekend meetings of “genuinely shocked” senior figures from the traditional wing of the church, while gay rights campaigners hailed the move as evidence of the growing acceptance of same-sex couples within the Church of Ireland.
Yesterday the Rev Gordon said that he had received approval from his bishop, the Rt Rev Michael Burrows, prior to entering the partnership in July with his boyfriend of 20 years.
The development has made the Church of Ireland the latest battleground in the Anglican debate about clergy in gay relationships, which threatens schism in the worldwide communion.
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Complete article at Newsletter : http://bit.ly/oc9RGA
