The church must do what is right. Jesus is our guide, not public opinion. This can cause controversy - think of Archbishop Runcie's prayers for the Argentinean bereaved after the Falklands War. Or of Jesus healing on the Sabbath. At other times, it involves responding to changes in society - think of the number of women who pray with their heads uncovered! Eating meat sacrificed to idols was right for some, wrong for others, said Paul. Except he didn't - he said it was right for all, but not something to be flaunted conspicuously before others.
Isn't this what the problem is here? The world is composed of people, male, female, straight, gay, celibate, non-celibate. How can our clergy show Christ to them all? How can they all be sure that they are accepted? Two decades ago we had controversy over the ministry of women. Have we learnt so little since then?
It is the duty of all Christians to set an example. Our light should shine, so that people see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. Christians with a high profile bear an even greater responsibility to "show Christ to the world". If appointing a bishop who is openly gay helps to affirm God's love for us all, then the church should not shrink from doing so.
Hector Davie