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Christian groups want CofE bishops to take action over marriage of gay priest

Two Christian groups are calling for an Anglican priest to be stripped of his title for flouting Church of England rules by entering into a same-sex marriage.

Hospital chaplain Canon Jeremy Pemberton, who's 58 and from Nottinghamshire, married 51 year-old Laurence Cunnington on Saturday, despite the ban on marriages for Anglican clergy who are gay.

Christian Concern and Reform, which both campaigned against the coalition's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, have called on Church leaders to discipline the divorced father of five, or ask him to stand down as a priest. Susie Leafe from Reform told Premier's Marcus Jones during the News Hour why she wants the House of Bishops to take action.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, who's responsible for the diocese overseeing Canon Pemberton's chaplaincy, said he was "aware" of the development after he recieved a letter explaining his intention to marry his partner. 

It's understood Bishop Christopher explained the guidelines of the House of Bishops which states that marriage is between and man and a woman.

Bishop Christopher also said he was committed to "understand the nature of marriage in the future" when the Chuch of England starts new discussions on its response to gay marriage, which is expected to begin in the coming months.

Revd Colin Coward from Changing Attitude UK, which supports gay marriage, told Premier's Marcus Jones on the News Hour why he thinks it's important the Church accepts the canon's decision.

The controversial gay marriage Bill became legal in England and Wales last year and sparked a clash between the government and the Church of England.

The first marriages took place in March, with MSPs in Scotland passing a similar law in Febuary, with the first ceremonies due to take place by Christmas.

Meanwhile, the UK's first same-sex marriage in a church has taken place.

Jan Tipper and Barb Burden tied the knot at the Metropolitan Community Church in Bournemouth on Saturday.

The denomination has 'opted in' to the new legislation.

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