The News Letter reports , “The Church of Ireland bishop who backed the civil partnership of Dean Tom Gordon has again declined to comment on the issue which threatens to split the church."
“Amid continuing tension between conservatives and liberals in the church, another request for an interview with Bishop Michael Burrows — who has criticised the Northern Ireland media’s “preoccupation” with the story — was met with a polite refusal."
“In an email to the bishop — who is Dean Gordon’s boss and on the liberal wing of the church — the News Letter asked for an interview in an attempt to get his side of the story, which has featured a string of outspoken denunciations by Anglican clergy of both the bishop and the dean."
“As the bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Rt Rev Burrows is senior to Portadown-born Dean Gordon, who now ministers in Carlow. According to Dean Gordon, the bishop appointed him last year in the full knowledge of his 20-year relationship with talented musician Mark Duley and was aware of their intention to enter a civil partnership once the Republic’s law changed."
“The bishop replied to our request: “While I appreciate your approach and sensitivity, my policy all along has been to avoid giving interviews to the public media. For the sake of consistency I think this has to remain my line, not least while the discussion process outlined in the recent bishops’ pastoral letter is put in place.”
Dean Gordon has also declined to comment further.