The New Zealand-born gay priest in the centre of an Anglican storm after he married his same-sex partner in the UK was crowned Mr. Gay Auckland in 2003, a UK newspaper has revealed.
The Rev Dr David Lord - who was born in Hamilton -exchanged vows with The Rev Peter Cowell at St Bartholomew the Great in London back in May, using one of the church's most traditional wedding rites. News of the ceremony emerged days before a crucial summit of the Anglican Church's conservative bishops and archbishops, who are threatening to split the worldwide Church over the issue of homosexual clergy.
The UK's Daily Mail newspaper has uncovered a picture of Lord wearing his Mr. Gay Auckland 2003 sash, taken at the city's now-closed gay nightclub Flesh.
The newspaper also spoke to Lord's former girlfriend Alice Gower, who says she felt hurt and angry when she eventually learned about his gay experiences, and is concerned his behaviour is disrespectful to the church.
Lord, 28, has since resigned from the priesthood and returned to New Zealand, reports the newspaper. His husband is expected to join him shortly.
The Daily Mail's full article is on the link below.
