The document has been strongly criticised by the Bishop of Swindon, Dr Lee Rayfield, the Church of England’s spokesman on ethics, for its lack of theological rigour. While expressing understanding of Roman Catholic hesiÂtancy over some things, he described it as “very poor” on Wednesday, and expressed concern for the pastoral consequences of any future disenÂgagement of the Roman Catholic hierarchy with the issues.
Dr Rayfield said: “From my perspective ”” and I would imagine a large number of other Christians ”” this new communication will come as a disappointment, but not a surprise.
“This instruction fails to engage adequately with the issues raised by assisted reproduction and its associated techniques at a number of levels. It worries me that there are assertions in it, for example about IVF and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, which simply do not bear the weight of theological or ethical scrutiny, even from within the absolutist standpoint taken by the Roman Catholic Church.”
Since when is destruction of an embryo not a form of abortion? Or are you advocating abortion? The Church of England has no moral authority to judge the Roman Church. A Church that hides, harbors, but at times celebrates gay marriage has none. A Church that ordains women has none. A Church that lied to its members concerning consecration of female Bishops and pastoral oversight has none. Do you see where this is going? As it stands right now the Church of England has given up its claim to catholocity by ordaining women. So, it is NOT catholic. Just like the TEc, if you have women bishops you will have invalid bishops, presiding over invalid sacraments, therefore, no unity in the Church. Early (2nd century) Church fathers regarded the Episcopie as an article of unity. They also held apostolic teachings and governance as part of what it takes to be a part of God’s Church. TEc and now the Church of England have departed from those, so they have no authority to lecture anyone on their dogmas.
Translation: “You’re not the King of me! Psh, wha-eva’. I do what I want!”
Seriously, though, I’d LOVE to hear his Lordship’s detailed objections.
My understanding of the document is the opposite – that it’s a carefully reasoned, articulate defense of Catholic moral teaching. It ought to go without saying that no Anglican is in a position to be throwing stones at others for muddled teaching.
This is not the first document released by the Church on these issues. Perhaps the other writings will help round out what the Bishop finds lacking in this latest release.
I read through this document, and I think there is some merit to this criticism as this is not the most powerful or heavy-lifting of Vatican theological documents in terms of originality or whatnot.
That having been said, it’s not patty-cake caliber either, and as such, the good bishop’s comments seem to be a trifle bit of “the pot calling the kettle black.” I am hard pressed to find anything from the Anglican Communion that is as much this document’s match in terms of clarity or theological weight on this issue.
When the CoE can express a coherent, unified view on any issue whatsoever, it might have some standing to pass comment. It currently comprehends everyone from those who support the Vatican’s positions in their entirety to crypto-atheist pro-abortion absolutists.
He obviously has not reviewed the remarks about ethical issues in GB that stem from their “ethical” people. Those make the Vatican’s remarks a sheer tower of ethical and moral thinking and use of human reason. Perhaps the bishop needs to think seriously and long about “let him who is without sin cast the first stone’?
Perhaps the good Dr Rayfield is grading the Catholic document as “very poor” as compared to the definitive Anglican document on human reproduction, which Dr Rayfield and his fellow bishops released at the recent Lambeth Conference. The difference in the two documents is quite clear.
God bless and happy Christmas to God’s servant Kendall and all who harken to his blog. Peace be with you.