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Twitter: @canonjpemberton
UK News

Gay priest begins case against Church

by Antony Bushfield

Canon Jeremy Pemberton said the Church's decision meant he had a job offer withdrawn by Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust.

He was the first Anglican cleric to have a same sex wedding when he married Laurence Cunnington in April 2014, despite vocal Church objections.

In June 2014 the then acting Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Rt Revd Richard Inwood, withdrew Canon Pemberton's permission to officiate as a priest in the diocese, saying that gay marriage went against the teachings of the Church.

He was also refused a licence required to take up a new chaplaincy post with Sherwood NHS and a job offer was consequently withdrawn.

The priest said his treatment was 'unfair' and has taken the case to an employment tribunal claiming he has been discriminated against because of his sexuality.

Speaking to Premier's News Hour in August 2014 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 a statement in February 2014 the Church of England states that: "Getting married to someone of the same sex would, however, clearly be at variance with the teaching of the Church of England.

"The declarations made by clergy and the canonical requirements as to their manner of life do have real significance and need to be honoured as a matter of integrity."

The tribunal is taking place at the Nottingham Justice Centre.

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