Re the "Reconciler" article from the church times. I think I'm starting to notice (or clue in) that what he said about marriage equality is being spun now in a few different ways. The writer of the church times, for instance, splits up Welby's quote, interspersing it with his own commentary (making it more an opinion piece than a news article, I guess):

Bishop Welby endorsed civil partnerships, stating that it was "absolutely right for the state to define the rights and status of people co-habiting in different forms of relationship". The Church of England must have "no truck with homophobia". He does, however, oppose gay marriage. He referred to the position of the Church of England within the Anglican Communion: "What the Church does here deeply affects the already greatly suffering churches in places like northern Nigeria."

"Moderation, sincerity, respect for those who disagree, trustworthiness - with these qualities in evidence, the Church can work towards a future when the ministry of men and women is appreciated equally." - 'Church Times' Editorial -

On this Feast-day of St. Hilda of Whitby, whose presidency of a Double monastery of Women and Men is recalled (Friday, 17 November) - our prayers are towards that end - especially that which 'works towards a future when the ministry of men and women is appreciated equally'!

The full unedited text of his remarks on equality etc. are:

“We also face deep differences over the issue of sexuality. It is absolutely right for the state to define the rights and status of people co-habiting in different forms of relationships, including civil partnerships. We must have no truck with any form of homophobia, in any part of the church. The Church of England is part of the worldwide church, with all the responsibilities that come from those links. What the church does here deeply affects the already greatly suffering churches in places like northern Nigeria, which I know well. I support the House of Bishops’ statement in the summer in answer to the government's consultation on same sex marriage. I know I need to listen very attentively to the LGBT communities, and examine my own thinking prayerfully and carefully. I am always averse to the language of exclusion, when what we are called to is to love in the same way as Jesus Christ loves us. Above all in the church we need to create safe spaces for these issues to be discussed honestly and in love.”

I don't myself think that the CT news report spins this, but judge for yourself.

In Durham, where I live, moves will presumably soon be made to 'consult' the public about what sort of person the new bishop should be. What a farce. Last bishop but one was a raving egoist. Last bishop was here five minutes and is now Archbishop of Canterbury elect. The sheer cynicism of it all leaves one breathless.