New head of Church of England announces program to end anti-gay bullying in schools

July 5, 2013 at 7:55PM

LONDON — The archbishop of Canterbury has announced a campaign to stamp out anti-gay bullying in Church of England schools, acknowledging that attitudes toward sexuality have changed.

Archbishop Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the world's Anglican Communion, stressed that the Church of England wasn't changing its teaching on gay relationships, but that it would be "absurd and impossible" to ignore shifting cultural attitudes.

He told the opening of the General Synod of the Church of England that "the majority of the population rightly detests homophobic behavior," adding that "sometimes they look at us and see what they don't like."

He said the church must "demonstrate a profound commitment" to stereotyping, announcing that the Church of England is developing a program for use in its schools to stamp out anti-gay bullying.

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