Owain Johnston-Barnes writes in The Royal Gazette online that the two candidates for the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda would “work to unify the church and encourage it to grow if elected to the post next month”.
Archdeacon Andrew Doughty said:
…The church should be an inclusive community for all, where people can be welcomed regardless of their history, race, gender or sexual orientation.
Questioned directly on his thoughts on sexual orientation, he said that the issue is an emotive one, but said: “It’s about supporting relationships. It’s about understanding that God wants his people to be happy.
“He wants us to be happy, and I know in my own life that his message has brought us happiness, so when a gay couple come to me or to any of my clergy brethren and say they are together and would like our support and our prayer, I say yes.”
He also expressed his support for women becoming ordained in the church, saying that he hoped it would come to pass in his lifetime.
The Rev. Nicholas Dill “…expressed his support for women in the ministry, but said that he voted against women being ordained because he didn’t approve of the way the vote was handled, only appearing on the agenda days before the vote was to take place.”
“When you are called to look at important issues, there needs to be time for reflection and prayer,” he said. “I felt that it was important to look at it. Make the decision for the right reasons and not on an emotional response.”
Regarding homosexuality, Rev Dill said the issue is one that needs to be dealt with by the church in a careful manner.
“It will require a time of listening and prayer,” he said. “Every one of us know, are related to and love people who are gay or lesbian.”