VICARS have spoken out in support of Canon Jeffrey John, the gay theologian whose appointment as Bishop of Reading sparked controversy in the Church of England.

Dr John withdrew his acceptance of the post earlier this month following a row among the Church of England over his appointment.

Conservative evangelicals fiercely opposed his appointment, with several Bishops and suffragans, bishops who assist diocesan bishops, publishing an open letter expressing their "concern".

Now, Worcestershire vicars have voiced their support for Dr John, who it was recently revealed could be in line for a cathedral deanery or considered for another bishopric in five or 10 years.

The Rev Christopher Pullin, vicar of St John-in-Bedwardine church in St John's, Worcester, worked with Dr John, for about a year in the 1990s.

Tremendous

Mr Pullin was a vicar in the New Eltham parish in south London while Dr John, was vicar of neighbouring parish Eltham.

"I have a great respect for him. He is a man of tremendous gifts and I think one aspect of his character has been blown out of all proportion and everything else has been completely forgotten or ignored," he said.

Mr Pullin added that he had sent an email of support to Dr John.

"I don't think the row has done anyone any favours - I think it has created a difficult atmosphere," he said.

"It's important people know there are a lot of people in the Church of England who are broadly supportive of Dr John and feel ashamed this vociferous group has hijacked the issue for their own ends.

"My own experience of talking to people around and about is they are in support of him."

The Rev Kenneth Crawford, vicar of St Nicholas' church in Warndon Villages, said he sent a letter to the Church Times backing Dr John's appointment.

"It's very sad the whole business has arisen in the way it has," he said.

"I think we should be looking at whether God has called this man to ministry or not and if he has then does that not make him acceptable in God's eye? If it does then should he not be also acceptable in ours?"

The Rev Peter Kerr, vicar of St Andrew's Church in Ombersley, also voiced his support.

"I'm not party to all of the information on the judgement that was made but certainly from where I'm standing it seems to have been a bit of a strategic mess.

"I have used Dr John's confirmation preparation book and from that point of view at least he seems to be a gifted teacher and writer."

The Bishop of Worcester wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury last month backing Dr John.

He declined to make any further comment.