Opinion Poll supports Lesbian and Gay Clergy

"More than half of all Church of England worshippers believe that practicing homosexuals should be allowed to join the clergy and more than two thirds support the ordination of celibate homosexuals." (Sunday Telegraph 12/10/03)

An ICM poll commissioned by The Telegraph has revealed a dramatically high proportion of regular Anglican worshippers were supportive of lesbian and gay clergy.

Coming as it does only days before the crisis meeting of Primates at Lambeth Palace, this poll has surprised not only the newspaper that commissioned it but also supporters of gay clergy.

The Revd Richard Kirker of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement commenting today said:

"This poll is amazingly good news, It shows the common sense of the ordinary Anglican woman and man in the pew. Many know lesbian and gay clergy and benefit from their loving and sacrificial service.

"Most Christians understand that there are those who TALK about God's will and those who DO God's will. They experience daily the loving and Godly ministry of lesbian and gay clergy - they know God is in their work.

"These are tough days for those dedicated deacons, priests and bishops who see so much hatred ranged against them, they can take heart that by far the majority of people love, value and respect what they do, and who they are.

"Even after pouring millions of pounds into their hate campaign it seems that the fundamentalists have failed to convince the ordinary church goer to reject lesbian and gay clergy.

"Let us hope that this "common sense attitude" prevails at the meeting of Primates. We should not be bullied by a rich and powerful minority at home or the hateful fundamentalism of those abroad.

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement will be responding to the results of the Primates deliberations as soon at the earliest opportunity on conclusion of the Lambeth Press Conference Further details to follow