In the past week Bishop Pete Broadbent, Willesden, has made offensive statements about the royal family and the engagement of the Prince and his fiance. According to Church Times: “The [opening of General Synod by the Queen] … was somewhat overshadowed by a statement from the Bishop of London regarding the Bishop of Willesden:”
“Dear Colleague,
“I was appalled by the Bishop of Willesden’s comments about the forthcoming royal marriage. In common with most of the country I share the joy which the news of the engagement has brought.
“I have now had an opportunity to discuss with Bishop Peter how his comments came to be made and I have noted his unreserved apology. Nevertheless, I have asked him to withdraw from public ministry until further notice. I have also been in touch with St James’s Palace to express my own dismay on behalf of the Church.
“Arrangements will need to be made in Bishop Peter’s absence and further details will be given in due course.
“With thanks for your partnership in the Gospel.”
More on the story at The Telelgraph and The Guardian and Episcopal News Service.
According to the blogs Bishop Broadbent does not think he is really suspended and has “unfriended” Ruth Gledhill for reporting on his Tweets and his Facebook comments.
Stay tuned for more from As the Anglican World Turns
Simon Sarmiento of Thinking Anglicans clarifies the letter to Broadbent