Controversial gay bishop Gene Robinson said he was not interested in causing trouble when he visited a church near Ashford.

The American, who has been banned from the main Lambeth Conference, insisted he had only come to discuss issues with clergy and congregations willing to meet him.

He told the Kentish Express: “I am not here to protest, disrupt or embarrass. I am open to have conversations with anyone who is willing.”

Bishop Robinson, who was heckled at a sermon in London days earlier, spoke just before giving a lecture at St Rumwold Church in Bonnington, on Friday night.

He is at the centre of a split in the church over the ordaining of gay bishops and his visit to Kent has cause a stir with the Bishop of Dover warning him not to cause problems.

Bishop Robinson responded: “I am absolutely intrigued that everyone is so fearful. I am not looking to attend anywhere that I am excluded from.

“I hope to have conversations with bishops and remind people that every church around the world has gay and lesbian people.

“I find it alarming that with the laws of England they are quite widely accepted and protected and yet the state church can discriminate.”

Asked why he had chosen to lecture at St Rumwold Church he said: “This is a wonderful historic church and I wanted the opportunity to see local clergy, not just a big fancy gathering of bishops.”

To read the full interview, see the Kentish Express on Friday.