University hosting church summit where same-sex partners are banned to raise ‘ethical concerns’ with archbishop

The institution will offer campus accommodation to the same-sex spouses

A university which has come under fire for hosting an Anglican summit that will exclude same-sex partners is due to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury to raise “significant ethical concerns”.

The University of Kent, which is hosting next year’s Lambeth Conference, faced criticism when it emerged partners of gay bishops had not been invited.

The institution has now said it will ensure accommodation is available on campus for spouses affected who wish to be in Canterbury with their partners.

It comes after a gay bishop whose husband has been barred from attending the once-in-a-decade Anglican summit at the university accused the Archbishop of Canterbury of bowing to homophobia.

Kevin Robertson, a bishop in Toronto, was told by Archbishop Justin Welby that his husband, Mohan Sharma, could not attend the conference because of opposition from ultra-conservative church leaders.

Vice-chancellor Karen Cox and council chair David Warren have said they have “serious issues” with the decision to exclude same-sex spouses as would be “contrary to the values” of the university.

A statement from the leaders said: “The university has since received a large number of concerns raised by staff, students, and members of the public, about hosting the conference.

“While we currently understand that the Lambeth Conference may be permitted by law to rely on exemption under the Equality Act 2010 for religious organisations, we also believe there are significant ethical concerns raised.”

The university's management says it will be seeking a meeting with Lambeth Conference organisers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, to raise their concerns and the issues.

Last week, a statement from Kent Union, the students’ union, said: “We are deeply disappointed that the Lambeth Conference has decided to exclude same-sex spouses from its 2020 conference.

“This is not a value that we expect to see on campus and we are committed to championing inclusivity in all events.”

The union said it would be writing to the Lambeth Conference urging them to change their stance.

Lambeth Palace has been approached for a comment.