Archbishop of Canterbury highlights revolution in sexuality

The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken of a “revolution in the area of sexuality” while announcing a campaign to stamp out homophobic bullying in Church of England schools.

The Most Rev Justin Welby said in his first presidential address to General Synod members that it was “absurd and impossible” to pretend that social attitudes towards homosexuality had not changed.

"We may or may not like it, but we must accept that there is a revolution in the area of sexuality and we have not yet fully heard it," he said in a speech at University of York.

"The majority of the population rightly detests homophobic behaviour or anything that looks like it and sometimes they look at us and see what they don't like."

The Most Rev Welby said the Church of England was developing a programme for use in its schools targeting homophobic bullying.

"With nearly a million children educated in our schools we not only must demonstrate a profound commitment to stamp out such stereotyping and bullying but we must also take action," he said.

The Most Rev Welby, who opposed the gay marriage Bill in the House of Lords last month, said he had been "struck by the overwhelming change of cultural hinterland" while listening to the debate.

"Predictable attitudes were no longer there. The opposition to the Bill, which included me and many other bishops, was utterly overwhelmed, with amongst the largest attendance and participation in a debate and majority since 1945," he said.

"There was noticeable hostility to the view of the churches. I am not proposing new policy but what I felt then, and feel now, is that some of what was said by those supporting the Bill was uncomfortably close to the bone," he said.

PA