Bishop of Manchester: The Church is capable of being on the right side of equality
The Bishop of Manchester has said hailed the introduction of female Bishops, and added that the Church should come out “on the right side of equality”.
Speaking to the Lesbian & Gay Foundation, the Bishop David Walker hailed progress the Church has made on women bishops, and called for greater acceptance of LGBT people.
He said: “The Church of England often takes a long time to make changes but it is important, especially for young people that The Church is seen to have an evolving view on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity and to come to a point of understanding so that we may be reflective of the issues that those in our communities are facing.
“We have to re-think our past views on sexuality and make sure that we give good news to all LGBT people and to younger generations. Also, now that we have approval for Women Bishops it has been shown that The Church of England can have these debates and come out on the right side of equality.
“I’m the Bishop for the whole of Manchester and I’m someone with whom the LGBT community can feel safe and secure.
“Manchester is a very diverse city and this is a strength that enables us to be a better Church and fulfil the city as being a better place for all.
“We have to reach out to different communities. It’s important to bring together some of the more disparate groups into some of the more long standing organisations to stop any widening gulf. The make-up of Manchester is ever-changing, as is the LGBT community.”
He made the comments ahead of several events in Manchester celebrating the 50th anniversary of the city’s gay rights movement.
