
The Lord Bishop has described the fresh debate within the Church of England over gay clergy becoming bishops as a distraction.
Bishop Robert Paterson acted as chairman of a small group looking into the question last year, but its conclusion was rejected by the House of Bishops who subsequently discussed the issue again.
When no firm conclusions were agreed they issued a 'catch-all' statement, which would require gay bishops to agree to be celibate.
Bishop Robert is to write to the Archbishop of York to stress his unhappiness at the way the debate is taking the focus away from other work.
He told Manx Radio the disagreement has become embarrassing for the church:

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