Humanists Want Bishops Banned

The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has condemned the Government’s stance on Church of England bishops in a reformed House of Lords.

At its AGM held during its 20th anniversary gathering in York over the weekend 10-13 September 1999, GALHA members voted unanimously in favour of a motion condemning the Government’s stated intention in a White Paper to retain unelected Church of England bishops whilst excluding hereditary peers.

The motion points out that the Church of England is sexist in that it still refuses to accept women as bishops, and homophobic in that it condemns gay sexual relationships and refuses to employ practising lesbians and gay men as priests. It also points out that there is no reason why a reformed House of Lords should have representatives sitting solely because of their religious affiliations.

A further motion expressed thanks to GALHA’s kindred humanist organisations for their support for the group over the past twenty years and for their staunch support for lesbian and gay rights.