An openly gay priest has resigned as chaplain to the Church of England General Synod after giving a pro-Pride homily to members of the governing body.
Rev Andrew Hammond's reflection during a worship session at the meeting earlier this month came prompted complaints that politics was being pushed into Synod worship.
Rev Hammond was a Synod chaplain, a role he balanced alongside his duties as chaplain of St John's College, Cambridge.
He says he received a number of complaints after his homily, spurring the resignation which he'd been considering for some time.
Premier understands complaints were also made to synod secretary general William Nye as well as the Archbishops of Cantebury and York.
In a statement sent to all Synod members earlier this week, Rev Hammond said: "My reflection at worship on the last morning of General Synod was heartfelt and grounded in theological conviction, but it was clearly the cause of offence to some, which I regret."
He continued: "In fact, for some time I have been concerned that my Synod duties are difficult to dovetail logistically with my commitments as a college chaplain, and this has prompted me to offer my resignation as Synod chaplain. The archbishops have accepted this offer."
In a statement in response to the resignation, a spokesperson for the Church of England said: "Members of General Synod were informed today that Andrew has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret.
"Many Synod members have expressed their appreciation for Andrew's time in the role, and for the wide pastoral support he provided to many of those members, visitors and staff on a range of issues."
