The new Bishop of Croydon supports women in the clergy, but believes homosexual marriage is wrong.

The Right Reverend Jonathan Clark has held his first service in Croydon Minster, and spoke about his views on some of the difficult issues facing the Church of England.

Bishop Clark, who has moved from his position as Priest in Charge in East London, has met the Imam at Croydon Mosque and wants to work together with minorities and different Christian denominations to improve the borough.

Croydon Church of England was rocked when the priest at St Michael’s Church, Poplar Walk, Father Donald Minchew, converted to Catholicism over the ordaining of women clergy.

The bishop said: “Father Donald obviously felt this part of the church was something he could not work with.

“He followed his conscience and I am glad he has left if that is what he felt he needed to do. “I think it is entirely right that women be allowed to become bishops, but I think the church should be capacious enough to include people who disagree on issues. “One of the tragedies of the Christian church is all the divisions that have been allowed to take place – whether humans get involved, we are simple beings and we don’t get it right.”

Despite the wish to see different views expressed, the new bishop, whose first service was on May 20, will not step out of line on gay marriage.

He said: “The church position is marriage is an institution between man and woman and that is where I stand as a bishop.”

Bishop Clark, who is married with two children, replaced the Right Rev Nick Baines, who has been appointed the 10th Bishop of Bradford.

The Episcopal area of Croydon extends as far south as Gatwick and covers all of the borough of Croydon and Sutton.