The Church of Wales has issued a statement in response to protests regarding its recent election for the next Bishop of Llandaff:
We understand the disappointment felt by all the candidates considered by the Electoral College who did not secure enough support to be elected as Bishop of Llandaff. However, we are satisfied that the Electoral College process was carried out properly and fairly.
The meeting was confidential and we will not comment on speculation about the nomination and discussion of candidates. However, we strongly deny allegations of homophobia in the process. Neither homosexuality nor participation in a civil partnership are a bar to any candidate being either nominated or elected as a Bishop in the Church in Wales. Moreover, this was made clear to members of the Electoral College by its President, the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.
The Constitution of the Church in Wales requires that an electoral college meets for up to three days and that if the college fails to elect, the decision passes to the Bench of Bishops. The Bishops are now acting carefully in full accordance with the Constitution. Unlike the Electoral College process, there is no fixed timetable for an appointment process, however, the Bishops would wish to announce any appointment made as soon as all necessary formalities are finalised. The appointment process is underway and we see no reason to halt it.
The Bishops have stressed during the whole process that whoever becomes Bishop of Llandaff, whatever their circumstances, will receive their full support.
Background reading
- Open letter (March 18) from the Very Rev. Jeffrey John, Dean of St. Albans, to the Rt. Rev. John Davies, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon
- Open letter (March 21) from OneBodyOneFaith to bishops of the Church of Wales
- Open letter (March 21) from nine Welsh members of Parliament to bishops of the Churches of Wales
