The first British clergyman to enter into a same-sex marriage has lost his legal case against the Church of England over its disciplinary action against him.
Jeremy Pemberton took the Church to an employment tribunal after it revoked his licence to conduct services in one diocese.
The tribunal ruled against Pemberton last year, and on Wednesday an Employment Appeals Tribunal backed the original ruling.
Lawyers
In response, the C of E diocese affected made it clear that it welcomed all people in its churches. Pemberton said he would consider the way ahead, in consultation with his lawyers and Laurence Cunningham – his same-sex partner.
The Church does not allow clergy to be in same-sex marriages, but Pemberton went ahead in 2014.
Following the ceremony, C of E group Reform called for clear discipline.
Disappointment
Later Pemberton was told that he could no longer officiate at services in his diocese – a move that led to his disqualification from accepting the offer of a new post with an NHS Trust.
Following the employment appeal ruling, Pemberton thanked Judge Jennifer Eady QC for “the obvious care that she took to consider properly the novel and complex issues of law raised by my appeal”.
But he expressed disappointment at the result and said he would take time to consider next steps.
Consequences
The Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, which was defending its actions, said: “Churches across the diocese continue to offer a generous welcome to people from all backgrounds”.
Last year’s ruling said there was “no doubt whatsoever that the present doctrine of the church is clear”.
It also stated: “The claimant would never have been in this position had he not defied the doctrine of the church.
“The claimant knowingly entered into that marriage and knew what the potential consequences could be for him.”
