Church of England's First Female Chaplain Welby Faces Judicial Review Over Gender Identity Policy

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is facing a judicial review over his decision to allow the Church of England's first female chaplain to be ordained.

The legal challenge has been brought by a group of conservative evangelical Christians who argue that the decision is unlawful and breaches the Church's doctrine on gender identity.

The case will be heard in the High Court in London on January 16, 2023.

The Church of England's First Female Chaplain

Reverend Sandra Millar was appointed as the Church of England's first female chaplain in 2021.

Millar is a transgender woman who was born male but now identifies as female.

Her appointment was welcomed by many within the Church of England, but it has also been met with opposition from some conservative evangelical Christians.

The Judicial Review

The judicial review has been brought by a group of conservative evangelical Christians who argue that the decision to ordain Millar is unlawful and breaches the Church's doctrine on gender identity.

The claimants argue that the Church of England's doctrine defines marriage as being between one man and one woman, and that this definition is incompatible with the ordination of a transgender woman.

They also argue that the decision to ordain Millar was made without proper consultation with the wider Church.

The Church of England's Response

The Church of England has said that it will defend the decision to ordain Millar.

The Church has said that it believes that Millar is a "called and gifted" minister, and that her ordination is in line with the Church's doctrine on gender identity.

The Church has also said that it believes that the decision to ordain Millar was made with proper consultation with the wider Church.