Primate backs gay bishops - but no sex

THE Archbishop of Canterbury has revealed that he is not opposed to the appointment of gay people as bishops in the Church.

But Rowan Williams, spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, has said that such appointments would be on the basis of the bishops remaining celibate.

The Archbishop announced that on a personal level he had "no problem about a gay person who's a bishop" but they must not be involved in sexually active relationships.

His comments are likely to anger equality campaigners, who will be quick to point out that such limitations around celibacy are not compulsory for heterosexual clergy.

Earlier this year, Williams blocked the appointment of the Very Rev Jeffrey John, a celibate gay cleric, to the post of Bishop of Reading.

Williams said that decision had been his most difficult, and acknowledged the issue of homosexuality had been "a wound in the whole ministry".