Shecon of Hight and Lope

According to the Daily Express on Saturday, a new ‘beacon of light and hope’ has been lit in the Church of England. My ears pricked: a faithful bishop appointed? Greater emphasis on God’s Word? Dismissing clergy who deny the resurrection? No. The Church of England has appointed its first transgender Archdeacon. The Rev Canon Dr Mann is to be the new Archdeacon of Bolton and Salford. Doubtless, this individual is well-educated and personable, whose sermons are likely well crafted and erudite. I suspect that an eventual place in the House of Bishops will be eagerly anticipated so the dear old CofE can show off to the world how well it keeps up with the equality and diversity industry's ever-growing expectations.

Assuming that the denomination survives long enough, that is.