A TWICKENHAM vicar’s comments on sexual ethics were described as "muddled and insensitive" by a gay man who recently attended the church for the first and last time.

Psychologist Dr Jason Cunliffe, working in the area temporarily, felt he was not welcome at St Stephen’s Church in East Twickenham after reading an article in the service bulletin by vicar Rev Andrew Watson about the appointment of Canon Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading.

Dr Cunliffe said: "He priggishly wittered on about hypocritical liberal bishops deviously trying to change Anglican policy on sexual ethics by appointing a gay bishop and suggested Canon John had been the author of his own humiliation.

"This was just a hint of the man’s muddled, insensitive mind. ‘We need continuing debate without mudslinging and jibes of violent homophobia’ directed against us, Rev Watson declared before stating that even if the church changes its policy eventually about homosexual practice, he would ‘remain strongly opposed’."

Dr Cunliffe said he would not be returning to St Stephen’s and said it was church men like Andrew Watson who had "successfully witch hunted" Canon John out of office.

Rev Watson said: "I certainly don’t want anyone to feel unwelcome when they come to church, everyone is welcomed into the church family whatever their orientation or race. My article was about the bishop appointed at that stage who had a gay partner.

"I am very concerned about any position that puts the Church of England at a variance with the other Anglican churches worldwide and many of them are very concerned about what is happening in this country about sexual ethics.

“It would also put us out of step with the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other denominations if the Church of England were to stand alone. I am not critical of the idea of gay clergy, there are lots of very effective gay clergy who do a good job. I would draw a distinction between those who are gay but who decide out of obedience to the bible and to church tradition not to be sexually active and those who are sexually active.

"I don’t think it was a witch hunt. Canon Jeffrey John was put up as bishop before the church had agreed that they would allow this and that is why it has become very personalised. I do feel very sorry for Canon John."