Well known writer, theologian and broadcaster Dr Elaine Storkey appeared before a Reading Employment Tribunal on Monday 7th January 2008 claiming she was dismissed from her job at an Oxford Theological College, Wycliffe Hall, because she was ‘the wrong type of Christian Evangelical’.
The ultra conservative and fundamentalist evangelical principal of Wycliffe Hall, the Revd Richard Turnbull’s decision to sack Dr Storkey, a BBC R4 Thought for the Day contributor, along with two other moderate Evangelicals, has caused a major controversy within the Church of England. Many have been calling for his removal since the controversy erupted last year.
The Reading Employment Tribunal heard an admission from legal Counsel for the College that Turnbull had acted unlawfully in sacking Storkey and revealed that compensation of some £20,000 had already been paid to her, with similar sums expected to be paid to two others. With increased legal costs and possible damages from this case calls for Dr Turnbull’s resignation are expected to be renewed with greater vigour.
The Revd Richard Kirker, Chief Executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement made the following comments:
"We first became aware of the crisis at Wycliffe Hall when there were accusations from former staff members and students of homophobic bullying at the college following reports that it had been 'captured' by ultra conservative Evangelicals led by Turnbull. The Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, another regular Thought for the Day contributor, as chair of the college’s Council has supported Turnbull’s unlawful actions and it is good to see him personally held to account in this legal action."
"Bishop Jones’ support for the behaviour and theological position declared by Turnbull calls his judgment into serious question at many levels. The deepening scandal surrounding Wycliffe is entirely the responsibility of Bishop Jones - he must consider his position both as chair of the council and as a bishop of the Church."
"It is interesting, if not a little paradoxical, to see Dr Storkey pursuing this case on the grounds of religious discrimination. We hope it is a sign of greater flexibility at, for instance, development agency Tearfund where she is UK President and Fulcrum where she is Chair. Tearfund makes it clear that only committed Evangelical Christians may apply for any job."
"We are told that all applicants must subscribe to a rather detailed "statement of faith" - a statement which we imagine Dr Turnbull would find insufficient."
"We suspect that Tearfund’s complex and from our point of view unacceptable employment policy, like that of many homophobic "Christian" organisations, has been recently redrafted to find a dubious way around recent legislation making it illegal to discriminate against lesbian and gay people including self-affirming lesbian and gay Christians. In this context it is a policy that may well turn around and bite Dr Storkey herself. To be honest - as much as we sympathise with the fact she was undoubtedly bullied and dismissed unnecessarily by some very nasty people - we hope it does as this would show up the absurdity and ambiguity of some recent legislation!"
"Does Tearfund welcome applicants who are openly lesbian or gay Christians as much as she expects Wycliffe Hall to accept her on her own terms? Has she used her position as President of this Christian charity to make its employment policy any less unacceptable than Wycliffe Hall’s? We fear not."
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Press Officer
Martin Reynolds
Tel: + 44 (0)1633 215841
Email: martin.reynolds1@virgin.net
Richard Kirker
Chief Executive
Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement [LGCM]
Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, London, E2 6HG
Office Tel & Fax 020 7739 1249
www.lgcm.org.uk
lgcm@lgcm.org.uk
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Charity No 1048842.