A Tunbridge Wells vicar has sparked controversy after making a series of moves against LGBT Christians.

Dr Peter Sanlon first sparked controversy when he spoke out on a Facebook post by the Diocese of Chichester on Monday, August 1.

The diocese posted to say that St Luke's Church in Prestonville was holding a tea party to coincide with the LGBT Pride festival.

In the comments, Dr Sanlon wrote: "Given your diocese has one of the worst records on historic child abuse in the Church of England, and even now has a special procedure of investigation to discover what went on and who in addition to the bishop currently in prison was involved, one would think your diocese would have the humility and wisdom to stop pushing sexual boundaries.

"Have you not done enough damage to the church of England?"

Two other users condemned the St Mark's vicar, saying they were saddened and wanted to challenge his reasoning.

Sara-Jane Stevens wrote: "Issues of sexuality and identity cannot be compared with issues of abuse.

"The terrors of abuse are found wherever there are broken human beings, no matter their sexuality or identity."

Dr Sanlon hit back however, saying that although there is a difference between breaking the law and breaking standards put forward in the Bible, "both will be given an accounting before God's judgement throne".

His comments have been condemned by Stonewall, a charity fighting for the rights of LGBT people.

A Stonewall spokesperson said: "These comments are extremely damaging and show extreme contempt for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

"Fortunately we work with many faith leaders who support LGBT people and who are passionate about equality.

"Stonewall will continue to empower these people to share their stories, to help dispel the myth that you cannot be LGBT and of faith."

Dr Sanlon didn't stop there however, and has now caused controversy again by hosting a meeting of so-called "disgruntled" clergy.

The gathering will be between members of 11 parochial church councils, including from the dioceses of Canterbury, Rochester, and Chichester, to discuss their thoughts on the path of the Church of England.

The meeting has been called in light of recent moves to incorporate members of the LGBT community into the church community.

The councils will potentially join a new Anglican Synod of Churches, which sees itself upholding traditional teachings of the Bible in the face of growing liberalism.

One act the group is particularly against is the blessing of same sex couples, which is seen as marriage in all but name.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Dr Sanlon said: "If senior leaders of the Church of England water down the teaching of the Church of England on key issues like homosexuality, then this synod could easily evolve in to a new Anglican jurisdiction in England.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury has signalled that he is aware of the possibility that a significant proportion of the church will not accept a change in the church's teaching.

"This could be the beginning of that playing out."

In January, Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, said: "It's a constant source of deep sadness that people are persecuted for their sexuality.

"I want to take this opportunity personally to say how sorry I am for the hurt and pain, in the past and present, that the church has caused and the love that we at times completely failed to show, and still do, in many parts of the world including in this country.

"I don’t agree with everyone around the communion, and they certainly don’t agree with me."