Lionel Blue

Lionel Blue (born 6 February, 1930) is a British Reform rabbi , journalist and broadcaster. He was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality . Born in the East End of London , he was the son of a master tailor . Blue read History at Balliol College , Oxford and Semitics at the University of London before being ordained as a rabbi in 1960. He spent time in the Army but was discharged after a nervous breakdown brought on by anxiety over his homosexuality . He is best known for his longstanding and respected work with the media, most notably the wry and gentle sense of humour on " Thought for the Day " on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme . He is also widely respected in the UK as a journalist, cook and author. In July 1998 Blue was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University . He is also Honorary Doctor of Divinity & Fellow of Grey College, Durham .

Lionel Blue (born 6 February 1930) is a British Reform rabbi , journalist and broadcaster. He was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality . He is best known for his longstanding work with the media, most notably his wry and gentle sense of humour on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme . In July 1998 Blue was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University . He is also honorary doctor of Divinity and Fellow of Grey College, Durham .

Lionel Blue , OBE (6 February 1930 – 19 December 2016) was a British Reform rabbi , journalist and broadcaster, described by The Guardian as "one of the most respected religious figures in the UK". He was best known for his longstanding work with the media, most notably his wry and gentle sense of humour on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme . He was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality. "Rabbi Lionel Blue, the first openly gay British rabbi, dies at 86 | Jewish Telegraphic Agency" .

British rabbi and broadcaster Lionel Blue OBE (6 February 1930 – 19 December 2016) was a British Reform rabbi , journalist and broadcaster, described by The Guardian as "one of the most respected religious figures in the UK". He was best known for his longstanding work with the media, most notably his wry and gentle sense of humour on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme . He was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality. "Rabbi Lionel Blue, the first openly gay British rabbi, dies at 86 | Jewish Telegraphic Agency" .

British rabbi and broadcaster Lionel Blue OBE (né Bluestein; 6 February 1930 – 19 December 2016) was a British Reform rabbi , journalist and broadcaster, described by The Guardian as "one of the most respected religious figures in the UK". He was best known for his longstanding work with the media, most notably his wry and gentle sense of humour on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme . He was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). "Rabbi Lionel Blue, the first openly gay British rabbi, dies at 86 | Jewish Telegraphic Agency" .