Jayne Ozanne, a campaigners for LGBT rights in the church, said: “We are unsure by whose authority the original letter from Nye was sent, given that it was not discussed by the Archbishops\u2019 Council.<\/p>\n
“It would be strange if it were sent with the knowledge and support of the Archbishops given their firm commitment to ‘radical Christian inclusion’ and their understanding of the need to be pastorally sensitive to the LGBT community, neither of which area mentioned in the letter. <\/p>\n
“What I find even more perplexing is that it does not reflect the level of dissent shown by recent decisions taken by the General Synod.”<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the Church of England said: \u201cThe request was addressed to the Secretary General, as Provincial Secretary of the Church of England, who then consulted both Archbishops.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was concluded that as there was not time for full consultation of the House of Bishops – which meets only twice a year – a reply should be sent at staff level. <\/p>\n
\u201cChurch House staff therefore produced a reply, in consultation with the Archbishops and the Bishop of Coventry, the chairman of the Faith and Order Commission.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Nye replied as Provincial Secretary.\u201d<\/p>\n