AN NHS trust expressed its regret yesterday after it was blocked from recruiting a gay clergyman because a bishop refused to license his appointment.

Canon Jeremy Pemberton had hoped to work as a chaplain for the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, but was not granted authorisation by the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham because he entered into a same-sex marriage in April.

The trust’s executive director of human resources Karen Fisher said: “Jeremy Pemberton’s offer of employment was subject to an approved licence from the Church of England and authorisation from the interim Bishop of Nottingham and Southwell.

“This licence was not granted and regrettably the trust has withdrawn the offer of employment. We wish Jeremy all the very best for the future.”

Canon Pemberton has called on church leaders to urgently examine the bishop’s decision to refuse him a licence to work as a chaplain.

The bishop, the Rt Rev Richard Inwood, announced last month that the canon’s permission to officiate in the diocese had been revoked in view of the Church of England’s pastoral guidance on same-sex marriage.

Canon Pemberton has questioned the legality of the church’s stance on gay marriage.