Gay cleric one of the city's `best'

David Lord, the former priest at the centre of controversy in Britain's first same-sex Anglican Church wedding ceremony, is one of Hamilton's finest citizens, according to a former city councillor and church stalwart.

Dr Lord is alleged to have broken Anglican Church rules by exchanging rings with fellow gay cleric Peter Cowell last month under traditional wedding rites in London, and has since resigned from the clergy.

While most high-profile figures within the church's Hamilton ranks have dived for cover and refused to comment on anything to do with the Waikato Hospital doctor, former Hamilton city councillor Jocelyn Marshall, a lay canon and hymn writer with the church, sang his praises.

"David is the most talented, gifted, intelligent, dedicated and sensitive person," she said. "Apply any great epithet you can think of he is one of Hamilton's very best.

"His partner has visited from time to time and he is another delightful guy I have learned to admire greatly. They just make such a wonderful match."

But Mrs Marshall feared for the future of the church, with Christian conservatives likely to "make a meal" of their church union.

"It is just horrible in these days of enlightened understanding. These men are no less worthy for being different. They are such dedicated fine Christians, pushing the boundaries but making a statement that it is okay to live together, have a relationship, and be part of the body of Christ."

Worldwide the Anglican Church is divided over attitudes towards homosexuality.

"One part of me says I wish they hadn't made such a flamboyant show of their relationship, but they have probably done it deliberately to provoke an outburst so the situation can be analysed fully.

"But it is an awful situation for the church generally ... I hope there is not a real schism in the Anglican Church."

- © Fairfax NZ News