Bishop a Hero

Charity makes The Bishop of Manchester a 'Homo Hero'

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have awarded The Bishop of Manchester, The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch, a 'Homo Hero' award in recognition for his work in challenging homophobia in the Diocese of Manchester

Over the last ten years The Bishop of Manchester, who retires in January, has been working to enable a greater understanding of diverse sexual orientation. Bishop Nigel has spoken many times about the need to remember that absolutely everyone is worthy of God’s love and that we are all made in God’s image. He has paid tribute to the many lesbian,gay,bisexual and transgender people and organisations that campaign for inclusion, and has ensured that everyone, particularly LGB&T communities, are welcomed in Manchester Cathedral, and many other churches in his diocese.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's 'Homo Hero' hero awards celebrates the achievement and contributions of individuals, groups and organisations who make a positive difference to the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Andrew Gilliver, Campaigns & Engagement Manager comments; "on his forthcoming retirement in January 2013, everyone at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to give thanks to Bishop Nigel for his support, encouragement and guidance. We hope that the ground-breaking work he has carried out will inspire those who wish to further advance communities working in the areas of faith and sexual orientation for the benefit of all in the future. We would like to see Bishop Nigel's successor continue to represent the diverse needs of the Manchester Diocese".

The Bishop of Manchester first set up a working group to look at matters of diverse sexual orientation almost a decade ago, and went on to enable the development of a bi-annual service in Manchester Cathedral for Manchester’s LGB&T communities which has been taking place since 2008.

The Bishop has spoken out against homophobia within society and in support of people who are struggling to come to terms with their own sexual orientation or are worried for friends or loved ones who endure incredible hardships because of hate crime attacks, fear, prejudice, ignorance and rejection.

During his ten year episcopacy in Manchester, Bishop Nigel has been active in supporting many initiatives which have enabled a better understanding of sexual and gender diversity, supporting organisations that campaign for inclusion and against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

The See of Bishop of Manchester will fall vacant on 18th January 2013. The Crown Nominations Commission will then meet in March - April 2013 to consider candidates for the next Bishop.

Photo: RII SCHROER

Published: 10-Jan-2013: (1670)