Diocese of Dudley, UK

[David Walker <bishop.david@cofe-worcester.org.uk>]

Dear Louie,

Thanks for your email.

I wasn't a bishop in 98 so didn't go to Lambeth, but I fully support both 
parts of the commitment made there which you list.

At 44 I am just young enough not to remember male homosexual acts being 
criminal for adults in England. So all through my adult life I have had gay 
and lesbian friends inside and outside the church who have been open about 
their sexuality. And I have also known those who have, through fear and 
guilt, kept their sexual identity hidden (or hidden to most) for many 
years.

I hope that counts as listening. I do believe that it is as we listen to 
the voices and stories of others that the Holy Spirit is able to work 
within us and lead us on in the direction God would have us go.

As regards "assuring them that they are loved by God" I would see that as a 
standard part of my teaching ministry - to say over and over again, to 
every human being, that God loves them utterly and completely, and that he 
loves them as they are, not merely for what they might be if they changed.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Yours in Christ

David

+David Walker
Bishop of Dudley

bishop.david@cofe-worcester.org.uk