The Anglican Diocese of Florida was blocked from appointing the allegedly popular Reverend Charlie Holt as assistant bishop because a majority of bishops and the Standing Committee refused approval, concerned that he was not fully awakened.

Holt was to be ordained after winning both the May and November 2022 elections to succeed him as bishop. John HowardAccording to the retired Episcopal News Service. However, according to the report, Holt was refused after the 120-day consent period required by canon law had passed and leaders expressed concern over his past statements about LGTBQ+ and racial issues.

“We know this news will cause a lot of reactions, especially among delegates who voted for Charlie Holt, those who have worked hard to get their consent to the election, and those who have opposed it. Certainly this is a pivotal moment in our lives as a parish, but as we gather each week at the Lord’s Table, we are confident that we are living members of the body of Jesus Christ.” Standing Committee Said. “And we are sent into the world to love God and love one another. (Related: ‘Spiritual Wickedness’: Religious Leaders Melt in SCOTUS Ruling Overturning Race-Based Admissions)

Today marks the end of the 120-day period during which the Standing Committees of the Anglican Church and competent bishops were asked to agree to elect Rev. Charlie Holt as assistant bishop of the diocese.

— Florida Diocese (@DioceseFL) July 21, 2023

Members of the community have expressed concern over Holt’s past comments that he sees marriage as between a man and a woman, and Howard himself reportedly shares that view. The report said Holt later said he would allow same-sex couples to marry.

Holt also faced criticism in 2012 when he said he was surprised to be invited to speak at a black church protesting the murder of Trayvon Martin.

Mr. Holt’s victory in the May election was challenged over procedural issues and was investigated by a church-wide review court. According to the Episcopal News Service, this has led the commission to hold a second election in November. Holt won another election in November, but some members argued that there was a pattern of anti-LGBTQ discrimination even during Howard’s time as bishop, which skewed the conservatism of the delegates.

The Florida Standing Committee should have included the court’s review in its report, according to the Episcopal News Service. A majority of its members voted “no” for Holt’s ratification, according to the commission, which said bishops would be invited “to serve the diocese by presiding over ratifications, ordination and other pastoral offices.”