Clergyman's dismay over continued ban on gay weddings in church

By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2017, 11:42 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:38 BST
Rector of Rusper and Colgate Parish Rev Nick Flint - picture submitted SUS-161011-155731001Rector of Rusper and Colgate Parish Rev Nick Flint - picture submitted SUS-161011-155731001
Rector of Rusper and Colgate Parish Rev Nick Flint - picture submitted SUS-161011-155731001
A leading local clergyman has spoken of his '˜surprise and disappointment' at the failure of the Church of England's ruling body not to allow gay marriage in church.

The Rev Nick Flint, rector of Rusper, spoke out after the Church of England’s General Synod voted not to ‘take note’ of a controversial report on homosexuality and same sex marriage.

The report by the House of Bishops maintained that marriage in church should be only between a man and a woman and services should not be held to bless same-sex relationships.

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Fifty-six-year-old Mr Flint, who is married with children, said: “To me it is inevitable that same sex marriages will be celebrated in church one day and that will be the norm - and I welcome that.

“When we look back, I think we’ll ask why were we dithering. The Church is always evolving. At one point divorcees couldn’t get re-married in church.”

He said he was ‘frustrated at the moment with the bishops who have closed ranks.’

The general consensus of bishops is a bit suspicious,” he said. “They are fearful and risk averse.

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