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Church of England priest banned after marrying male partner

by Aaron James

Revd Jeremy Davies was with his partner Simon McEnery for more than 25 years before the couple got married last year.

Mr Davies had served as canon precentor at Salisbury Cathedral for around the same period.

He wrote to the Diocese of Winchester requesting permission to officiate in it, but the Diocese turned this request down on the grounds he went against the Church's doctrine that gay clergy should not get married.

The Diocese of Winchester had expressed its opposition to the gay marriage at the time a year ago.

Simon McEnery said on Facebook at the Diocese of Winchester's decision: "So, Jeremy has been banned from taking services in the Winchester Diocese by the Bishop of Winchester, because he's married to me.

"Just in case you'd like to let him know what you think of the C of E's institutional homophobia, he's the Rt Revd Tim Dakin.... Please share as widely as you wish!

"Just a quick word of reassurance: Jeremy will be grieved not to be able to accept any invitations to the Winchester Diocese (including the one in his in-tray from Winchester Cathedral), but so far, the rest of the Anglican Communion has resisted a similar insult.

"So if you need a fantastic preacher or lecturer/consultant on liturgy (and you don't live in the Winchester Diocese), Jeremy's your man."

In a statement, the Diocese of Winchester said: "Canon Jeremy Davies made an application earlier this year for permission to officiate in the Diocese of Winchester.

"Due to the Church of England's position on same sex marriage, as set out in the House of Bishops' Pastoral Guidance, Canon Jeremy Davies has been informed that his application has been unsuccessful."

The Church of England has been criticised by some for inconsistently applying its policy on gay marriage.

Revd Andrew Foreshew-Cain married his male partner last year, something against Anglican Church rules, but was still subsequently elected to its General Synod governing body.

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