A former dean of Magdalen College, Oxford, known for his theological support of the gay community, has been appointed a bishop.

Canon Jeffrey John, the Chancellor and Canon Theologian of Southwark Cathedral in London, has been appointed new Suffragan Bishop of Reading by the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries.

Canon John is a well-known advocate of gay rights, including the ordination of practising homosexuals and blessing of same-sex marriages.

But he stressed that his main aim would be to attract more people to the church.

The Bishop welcomed Canon John's personal assurances that he would support the current church line on the controversial issue.

Following his appointment, Canon John said: "My chief hope and prayer, for the Archdeaconry and myself, is for growth -- growth in knowledge and depth of faith, but also in growth of numbers.

"As a theologian, I have written and argued in favour of the Church accepting permanent, faithful same-sex relationships. However I fully recognise that this is a minority view among Christians."