An openly gay cleric is in line to become a bishop, in a move that could plunge the Anglican Communion into fresh crisis over homosexuality.

The Very Rev Jeffrey John was appointed Bishop of Reading five years ago but was forced to stand down by the Archbishop of Canterbury, a personal friend of his, after the election sparked outrage among conservatives.

He was later made the Dean of St Albans but is now being considered for the post of Bishop of Bangor in North Wales, following the death of the previous incumbent from cancer in June.

Insiders believe 55-year-old Dr John is highly likely to be chosen, because he is a Welsh speaker as well as being a respected theologian.

In addition, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, recently admitted he would support the election of a gay bishop despite opposition among orthodox Anglicans and guidelines stating that practising homosexuals should not become clergy.

His appointment would likely deepen the crisis in the 80 million-strong worldwide church over homosexuality.

Dr John has long campaigned for the church to relax its opposition to homosexuality, and is in a civil partnership with his long-term partner, the Rev Grant Holmes, although he insists their relationship is celibate.

Shortly after the row over his appointment in 2003, the Communion was "fractured" by the election of the Rt Rev Gene Robinson, who is openly gay and in an active sexual relationship, as the Bishop of New Hampshire.

Hundreds of American clergy and parishioners deserted the liberal Episcopal Church in protest, triggering bitter legal disputes over church property, while orthodox Anglican leaders across the world are forging ahead with a rival movement for those who believe the Bible teaches that homosexuality is sinful.

At last month's once-a-decade summit of Anglican bishops, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, urged liberals not to inflame tensions by electing any more gay bishops.

But the Rt Rev David Anderson, President of the American Anglican Council which represents conservative clergy, claims the "moratorium" is now likely to be broken in Wales. More of Gay cleric Jeffrey John could become Britain's first openly ...

Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom -
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• Church set to appoint new bishop
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• Gay priest Dr Jeffrey John could become a bishop in Wales
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• Gay man may be selected as Anglican bishop
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