The bishop of Grantham has become the first Church of England bishop to publicly declare that he is gay and in a relationship. In a move that will be embraced by campaigners for equality but is likely to alarm conservatives who fear the church is moving away from traditional teachings, Nicholas Chamberlain said there had been no secret about his long-term \u201d\u201c albeit celibate \u201d\u201c relationship with his partner.<\/p>\n
But a threat by a Sunday newspaper to reveal Chamberlain\u2019s sexuality had pushed him to speak publicly. He acknowledged that the revelation would cause \u201cripples\u201d\u009d within the church. \u201cIt was not my decision to make a big thing about coming out,\u201d\u009d he told the Guardian in an exclusive interview. \u201cPeople know I\u2019m gay, but it\u2019s not the first thing I\u2019d say to anyone. Sexuality is part of who I am, but it\u2019s my ministry that I want to focus on.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Chamberlain was consecrated last November, and all those involved in his appointment \u201d\u201c including Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury \u201d\u201c were aware of his personal situation. During the process of being appointed as suffragan bishop of Grantham, he said, \u201cI was myself. Those making the appointment knew about my sexual identity.\u201d\u009d His appointment was made by the diocesan (senior) bishop of Lincoln, Christopher Lowson, and endorsed by Welby.<\/p>\n