Wright who has previously opposed the ordination of gay clergy, will take up the academic position at St Andrews University in September of this year, yet his appointment is causing a bit of a stir and instigated a call for wealthy graduates not to support the university's fundraising appeals. Leading this call is the Reverend Kelvin Holdsworth, who holds the post of provost at St Mary's Cathedral in Glasgow, himself is a St Andrews graduate.
Holdsworth who is an openly gay member of the church, stated that he is withdrawing all financial support over Wright's "anti-gay views" and is encourages others to do likewise. He made his views public on his blog - "I'm so sad that my old college has announced that Tom Wright is to be appointed as professor of New Testament and Early Christianity. Actually, it's more than that, I feel ashamed of St Andrews University. It is hard to think of a more divisive figure to appoint. I don't think it is to the credit of a modern university to appoint staff with such ghastly anti-gay views." Adding "St Andrews University writes to me regularly asking for money. The answer from now on could not be clearer. No extra funding for a university that appoints anti-gay figures to prominent positions. I hope other alumni will keep their hands firmly in their pockets and when the call comes for money, just say no."
Tom Wright angered many people when he said that he would discipline any clergy or church person if they had anything to do with civil partnerships, when they were introduced in law. In fact, he is no stranger to a bit of controversy, in 2008 when he compared the consecration of Gene Robinson, the gay American Episcopalian bishop, to the US invasion of Iraq. At the time Wright said: "Bush said he was going to invade Iraq. Everyone told him not to do it because there would be consequences, but he did it anyway. The Americans floated the balloon in 2003 when they consecrated Gene Robinson. They knew exactly what they were doing. Either the rest of the world caves in or someone has to stand up to them."
St Andrews was recently in the news in Scotland over a spending crisis when it emerged that despite a funding shortfall and staff facing the axe due to lack of funds, the university principle has spent over £4million of university funds on upgrading her personal accommodation!
Jason Shaw
UK Correspondent
GayAgenda.com
"A deeply engaging and personal blog, laced with wit, humour, and a healthy dose of reality" Borstal Boy, Writer, UK.
"Jason has his finger on the pulse of the nation, and declares it dead! His witty, clever and accurate observations amuse and inform" Alex Blair, London.
No comments:
Post a Comment