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HIV+ Anglican priest
appointed in UK
11 Sept 2006- In an unprecedented move, a bishop has appointed
an HIV-positive gay man as priest for a Church of England congregation
in the UK. It is thought to be the first time a clergyman, known to have
the HIV virus, has been appointed to lead a parish.
Appointed by a bishop known to support homosexual clergy, the priest,
who wishes to remain anonymous, will take up his position in the London
parish later this month.
The move may be seen as provocative by opponents of gay clergy an
issue that is threatening to split the global Anglican Communion.
The newly appointed priest said last week: Im under high pressure at
the moment. This is not a good moment to talk about it though I am
looking forward to the challenges that the parish will present and I am
already stuck in to visiting.
The previous parish priest, who died in office, lived with a gay
companion a common practice for the estimated 1,500 gay and lesbian
Church of England clergy.
Between 25 and 30 Church of England priests are thought to have died of
AIDS-related illnesses, but this is thought to be the first case where a
man known to be HIV-positive has been appointed priest.
One Church of England bishop said the appointment is a sign of the
church being grown-up and living in the real world.
The priest has a ministry to offer and clearly there is a welcome for
him in this parish, he said.
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