Here is what he said in 2006; "It is consistent with the compassion and love enjoyed by biblical teaching, and with the freedom from injustice and discrimination which the new life of the spirit (sic) offers, to affirm equality for all in Christ. And it is this fundamental principle which will lead us to an informed, enlightened and just appreciation of racial affirmation, the equal place of men and women in church and society, homosexual relationships, societal responsibility, and so on. The church was founded presumably to embody the love and charity of God. Paul declares us to be discharged from rules which demean and thwart the flourishing of human nature. He urges us to serve God in a new way. Thanks to St Paul, and to his example of extending the range of God's acceptance and generosity. We can now be more appreciative of the extent to which God's love can inform and shape our lives, and how we can offer justice and compassion to all."

Last month, the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, stepped down following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Shepherd was Dean of St George's Cathedral in Perth, Western Australia, from 1990 to 2014. He faced criticisms for actions such as inviting Muslim and Buddhist leaders to speak at the Cathedral, founding a study group named Heretics Anonymous, and for his very public support of LGBT+ inclusion and marriage equality.

Shepherd has a wide career across the Anglican Communion. He has served as a priest in Australia, the USA (Long Island), and in England (in Manchester and Cambridge). He was also Chaplain of Christ Church, Oxford, has taught music as a university lecturer and is a noted theological commentator.

In 2006, the "Anglican Episcopal World - the official magazine of the Anglican communion" produced by the Anglican Communion Office reported this: On almost the final page of the latest edition (Michaelmas 2006, Issue 123, p58) there's a page called 'Reflections', the place for theological and devotional reflection, and it contains an article by The Rev. Dr John Shepherd, taken from 'The Melbourne Anglican', called 'Can we speak of a bible-based morality?' In it the standard pro-gay theological argument appears throughout (individual texts may say one thing, the trajectory of mercy and justice points in another), he says.

An orthodox British theologian wrote; "On one level, same old stuff. On another, I'm furious that that a magazine which goes out globally to every diocese, theological institution should be carrying this, with no editorial distance from it. It's a complete abuse of power and wealth by the Anglican Communion Office."

Dr. Shepherd also denies the bodily resurrection of Jesus. You can read that here: http://archbishopcranmer.com/anglican-ambassador-to-rome-denies-the-resurrection-of-christ/