The co-founder of a movement supporting diversity within the Church has welcomed the selection of the new Bishop of Reading, who will oversee parish work in Wallingford.
But he expressed his sorrow at the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Canon Jeffrey John, pictured, last year.
London vicar the Rev Dr Giles Fraser is co-founder of Inclusive Church, a movement affirming the rights of gays and lesbians in the Church.
Dr Fraser said: "I'm really sad the new bishop is not Jeffrey John. Canon Cottrell sounds absolutely fantastic for the job, but it should have been Jeffrey.
"Those people in the Oxford Diocese who made Jeffrey's life a misery should examine their consciences."
The post of Bishop of Reading -- which covers much of south Oxfordshire, including Abing- don, Wantage and Didcot -- was offered to gay but celibate Canon John in May last year. He accepted, but later withdrew.
The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, nominated both men.
Dr John said: "I am glad that Stephen has been chosen to become Bishop of Reading. I have known him for many years as a warm, friendly and enthusiastic priest with a real heart for mission."
Canon Cottrell, who trained at St Stephen's House in Oxford, said he would not exclude anyone from the church, whether traditionalist or gay.
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