British bishop accused of discrimination

HEREFORD, England, April 1 (UPI) -- The decision by a bishop in the English city of Hereford to block the employment of a gay youth worker has led to allegations of discrimination.

With the Right Reverend Anthony Priddis set to face an employment tribunal on Wednesday to explain why be blocked the employment of John Reaney, The Observer said, the matter could add fuel to an ongoing Church of England debate.

While current British equity laws aim at preserving rights for gay and lesbian individuals, many Church of England officials have maintained that the religious body should be exempt.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of Westminster even threatened to close down Catholic adoption agencies in January unless the church could avoid placing children with gay couples.

The paper said this week's tribunal could significantly affect the future of the debate and how the Church of England would approach the gay and lesbian culture.