The Diocese of Lichfield has issued a guidance titled "Welcoming and Honoring LGBT+ People," which declares that "nobody should be told that their sexual or gender identity in itself makes them an unsuitable candidate for leadership in the Church." It expresses hope that "they, like everyone else, feel encouraged to serve on PCCs, or as churchwardens and worship leaders, for instance, and are supported in exploring vocations to licensed lay and ordained ministries."

The document, which was written with the feedback of a listening group of people "identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, same-sex attracted, and heterosexual; single and partnered; celibate and married"; says it does not address "contested theological or ethical questions" such as blessing same-sex relationships or "marriages," but is solely concerned with the "basic principle" that "all people are welcome in God's Church."

However, the guidance also declares that "intrusive questioning about someone's sexual practices" is "almost always inappropriate," and that it's "unacceptable" to suggest that "homosexuality or gender difference is a sign of immaturity or a lack of faith," positions that would seemingly preclude evaluating a potential church leader's adherence to church teaching.

Near the end of the document, the bishops admit that the new initiative is an attempt to counter "the perception that the Church is homophobic and transphobic"...

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