CofE bishop reveals he is in gay relationship 3 September 2016 UK The bishop of Grantham has become the first Church of England bishop to say that he is gay and in a relationship. 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." 'Not secret' A Church of England spokesman said: "Nicholas has not misled anyone and has been open and truthful if asked. The matter is not secret, although it is private as is the case with all partnerships/relationships." Bishop Chamberlain made the disclosure in an interview with the Guardian, and it has been reported that he gave the interview because his private life was about to be exposed by a Sunday newspaper. "It was not my decision to make a big thing about coming out," he told the newspaper. "People know I'm gay, but it's not the first thing I'd say to anyone. Sexuality is part of who I am, but it's my ministry that I want to focus on." It is thought no serving bishop has ever before gone public about their sexuality. The former archbishop of York, Lord Hope, said in 1995 that his sexuality was a "grey area". The Dean of St Albans, the Very Reverend Jeffrey John, withdrew from the race to become Bishop of Reading in 2003 after an angry reaction from traditionalist Anglicans about his sexuality. Bishop Chamberlain said he had been with his partner for many years. "It is faithful, loving, we are like-minded, we enjoy each other's company and we share each other's life," he said. 'Process of learning' Asked about whether other bishops might follow his lead in openly declaring their sexuality, he said: "I really can only speak for myself. If I'm an encouragement to others, that would be great." Bishop Chamberlain said the Church of England was "still at the beginning of a process of learning" about issues of sexuality, describing it as a struggle. He said he hoped to be a "standard-bearer for all people as a gay man" and that he hoped he would be able to "help us move on beyond matters of sexuality". He added that he hoped to be "judged by my actions as a parish priest, a bishop - and by the Lord ultimately". Bishop Chamberlain's revelation is likely to cause further tension among Anglicans. Last month 72 traditionalist members of the Church's ruling general synod wrote to all bishops, encouraging them to abide by biblical teaching on sexuality. Last week the Archbishop of Canterbury said in an interview that he "couldn't see the road ahead" when it came to the Church's policy on sexuality.

CONFUSION

if I say the world dey end now people will say the world has no end but what do you make of this. You say you are celibate and yet have a sexual partner. Saw this on BBC yesterday and the kind of support he had was amazing and overwhelming. Thing is that this gay madness when you speak against it especially abroad they will term you homophobic and stupid even charge you to court. The LGBT group are the most powerful group abroad

Warrisdis

That one na 4 him pocket,the day wey my church go approve gay marriages and abortion,i go run leave them...no time to use GOD play,Him wrath heavy.