Archbishop panel member believes gay people can 'change' sexual desire

[...] The Rev Colin Coward, director of Changing Attitude, the campaign for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the Anglican communion, said Harrison's position on the commission appeared "cranky in the extreme".

Harrison's supporters insist his views reflect a substantial section of Anglican opinion about homosexuality and it would be impossible to elect a leader of an estimated 50 million churchgoers worldwide without such views being represented.

Harrison has written recent articles saying that gay relationships "fall short of God's purpose in creation". He argues that using that therapy and pastoral ministry may be remedies for those clergy drawn to a gay relationship but who feel it is unchristian, saying "there is evidence that some people with unwanted same sex attractions can achieve significant change".

He is one of three lay members of the commission voted in by the Church of England's General Synod in 2007. Its first meeting is expected in May. Read more