On yesterday's Sunday Programme on BBC Radio 4, the Archbishop of Cape Town, the Most Revd Desmond Tutu, spoke in favour of ordaining homosexual people to the priesthood.

The Archbishop was speaking in a personal capacity from Cape Town. He was interviewed by the Sunday Programme after he had signed a statement of support for the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement. The statement forms part of an advertisement for the movement's 20th birthday.

When questioned on the Church's attitude to homosexuals, the Archbishop replied: "The Church has not got there yet, but if we were to say that in relationships it is desirable that there is fidelity between a couple, why should we not extend the same conditions to same sex relationships," the Archbishop said. " This is my personal position. I am passionate in my opposition to any injustice and I believe I know where our Lord would stand." he added.

When questioned whether he was hopeful that the Anglican Communion might move towards the ordination of practising gay people in the Church he said: "As a matter of justice, of compassion, of consistency, yes."

When questioned about reservations on this question by sections of the African church the Archbishop replied: "They said the same thing about the ordination of women to the priesthood. People claimed that it was foisting something that was totally unAfrican and that turned out to be quite untrue."

The Archbishop added: "I think there is something wrong when we persecute people and make them hate who God has made them to be, and if there is a way in which I can assist in the rehabilitation of people's self-worth, I certainly will do all I can."

The Archbishop's comments have caused widespread media interest and comment in Britain.