Members of the clergy were due to meet the Bishop of Oxford today to raise their concerns over the appointment of a bishop who advocates gay rights.

A letter opposing the appointment of Canon Jeffrey John as the Bishop of Reading has been signed by 100 clergy and lay people in the Oxford diocese.

Canon John has admitted a homosexual relationship in the past and remains a staunch advocate of gay rights, including same-sex blessings.

Many members of the clergy who signed the letter are to meet the Rt Rev Richard Harries, who made the appointment, to express their opposition to the move.

Bishop Richard said although Canon John was not on a shortlist, he chose him after consulting the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He said: "He (Canon John) is fully committed to upholding the doctrine and practice of the Church of England as expressed in the House of Bishops' report Issues in Human Sexuality.

"People have asked how he can support in the future a policy he has severely criticised in the past.

"But Jeffrey draws a clear and legitimate distinction between his previous role as a theologian, whose job it is to explore new ways of thinking, and his future role as a bishop, whose job it is to teach the doctrine of the Church and maintain its unity."