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The University of Kent’s decision to host a Christian event excluding same-sex spouses has caused lecturers to feel “unsafe on campus”.
Its Canterbury site will be the venue for next year's £5,000-a-head Lambeth Conference, a meeting of Anglican bishops and their partners from around the world.
However, the announcement received widespread criticism after it emerged gay bishops, who are joining the assembly for the first time, were told by the Archbishop of Canterbury that their spouses are banned from the event.
Dr Declan Gilmore-Kavanagh, a senior lecturer in 18th century studies at the university, believes Kent’s decision to host the gathering is facilitating “institutional homophobia”.
“That’s what’s deeply disappointing and distressing,” he added. “The conference’s values are not in accordance with what a modern university should uphold.
“For this to take place on campus, it impacts LGBT staff and students and it sends a message to us that our relationships and lives are not as valued. It could set a dangerous precedent.
“A lot of people have spoken about feeling unsafe on campus and feeling like their work environment is now a hostile one because this decision might be considered by some as the university endorsing homophobia.”
Dr Gilmore-Kavanagh argues it also undermines Kent’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity.
The lecturer is a member of the university’s LGBT+ Staff Network, which has called for the conference to be held elsewhere.
The group’s chairman, Dr Christin Hoene, says Nigerian and Ugandan bishops who have “actively supported or passively condoned” anti-gay legislation have also been invited to the event.
“I don’t have any fears for my own safety but I don’t know how the university will ensure LGBT staff will be protected from discrimination,” she said.
“While the university has extended invitations to gay bishops, it has also extended invitations to bishops who have in their own countries either actively supported or passively condoned vicious anti-LGBT legislation and persecution.
“It makes me feel deeply uncomfortable sharing my place of work with people who are actively against people like me.”
Students had raised concerns earlier this year that the university was putting "commercial interests above its moral values".
University bosses held a meeting with senior representatives from Lambeth Palace towards the end of last month.
In a statement released afterwards, UKC said the conference - held every 10 years - will act as a forum to discuss “issues on which opinion within the Communion is currently divided”.
“Some people have been saying that, since it is happening here, they welcome the opportunity for debate it offers,” Dr Hoene added.
“But I don’t think my identity as a gay woman is up for debate.”
UKC has hosted the Lambeth Conference since 1978.
It was originally due to take place last year, but it was postponed amid fears anti-LGBT church leaders would refuse to take part.
UKC says it has been made "explicitly clear that staff and students who feel unable to work on this conference will be able to opt out with the full support of the university".
Vice chancellor Prof Karen Cox, and UKC's chair of Council, Sir David Warren, added in a joint statement: "The University remains actively committed to upholding diversity and inclusivity.
"We recognise the hurt experienced by many people because of the decision to exclude same-sex spouses.
"The insight gained from the comments received from, and the meetings held with, affected individuals has been powerful, and of great importance in helping the Council to reach its decision."
