Bishop of London dismisses calls for civil partnerships in churches

The bishop of London has rejected calls for civil partnerships to be registered in the capital's churches, citing unity and the age of austerity as more pressing issues for clergy.

The Rt Rev Richard Chartres, who is the third most senior Anglican cleric in the country, said it was right for the issue to be discussed openly, but it should not distract from the important ministry being carried out in communities.

His intervention came after more than 100 London-based clergy signed a letter demanding the right to hold civil partnership ceremonies on their premises.

The government lifted the ban on civil partnerships in places of worship last year, but the Church of England has repeatedly told its clergy they cannot register their churches for the ceremonies unless its governing body, the General Synod, approves the change.

Chartres, attempting to see off a growing revolt on his doorstep, said: "It is quite legitimate that this issue is being raised. However, the unity of the church and our core mission, particularly in these sobering and challenging economic times, must remain paramount.

"I hope the discussion will continue in a prayerful and respectful way, whilst not distracting from the important ministry our churches are carrying out in their communities."

The clergy wrote in their letter that holding civil partnership ceremonies was a matter "for the individual conscience".

One signatory, the Rev Dr Brian Leathard, told the Times: "Our motivation in sending this letter is pastoral. For those of us at the frontline, there is no sense of hiding behind a blanket ban on holding civil partnership ceremonies in Church of England churches. More and more people are coming to us, and feel that we are turning them away without actually being able to hear their story."

Clergy say they will petition the synod to consent to such a move.