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Twitter: @canonjpemberton
UK News

Gay vicar has job offer withdrawn over marriage

Canon Jeremy Pemberton was offered the position of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Manager at the Trust but was told by the Acting Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham that he can't work as a priest in the diocese because of his decision to marry.

Speaking on Premier's News Hour he said the withdrawal was a direct response to the decision by Rt Revd Richard Inwood.

Labelling his treatment 'unfair' he said: "I've never had any disciplinary process, this has entirely been done at the whim of one bishop.

"In another diocese I've received a rebuke and retain a full license.

"So I'm licensable in Lincolnshire but not so in Nottinghamshire - I don't think that's fair treatment."

In response Rt Revd Richard Inwood, said: "I am unable to comment further on this as it is a matter for the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust."

Speaking previously about the decision to revoke the license he'd said: "In [the Church's] pastoral guidance on same sex marriage, the House of Bishops said that getting married to someone of the same sex was clearly at variance with the teaching of the Church of England.

"The statement said it would not be appropriate conduct for someone in holy orders to enter into a same sex marriage, given the need for clergy to model the Church's teaching in their lives.

"In view of this, and having spoken to Canon Jeremy Pemberton, his permission to officiate in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham was revoked."

Canon Pemberton married Laurence Cunnington back in April just weeks after the law was changed to allow same sex couples the right to marry.

Karen Fisher, Executive Director of Human Resources, said: "Jeremy Pemberton's offer of employment was subject to an approved licence from the Church of England and authorisation from the interim Bishop of Nottingham and Southwell.

"This licence was not granted and regrettably the Trust has withdrawn the offer of employment. We wish Jeremy all the very best for the future."

Hear more from Canon Pemberton here:

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