First Church of England bishop says he is gay and in a relationship

The Bishop of Grantham has become the first Church of England bishop to publicly state he is gay and in a longterm, celibate relationship with another man.

Nicholas Chamberlain said he spoke out on his own terms after a Sunday newspaper threatened to run the story.

The announcement will create ‘ripples’ within the church establishment, he acknowledged, as sexuality has become an divisive issue among conservative and modernising groups.

In an interview with the Guardian, he said: ‘It was not my decision to make a big thing about coming out.

‘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.’

He was appointed last November, with senior members of the church aware of his personal life.

‘I was myself,’ he said. ‘Those making the appointment knew about my sexual identity.’

He said he followed church guidelines which said clergy must be celibate and are not allowed to marry.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said in a statement: ‘I am and have been fully aware of Bishop Nick’s long-term, committed relationship.

‘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.’

Mr 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 told the Guardian.

He said he hoped people would see this as just one aspect of his life, rather than considering him ‘the gay bishop’.

It comes amid debate about what policy the church should take towards traditional teachings on sexuality.

A total of 72 conservative members of the church’s ruling synod wrote to bishops last month urging them to follow biblical prescriptions on relationships.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin said in an interview last week that he ‘couldn’t see the road ahead’.