We met over three days in an atmosphere of prayer and worship to reflect on current disquiet in the Church caused by disagreements on the matter of human sexuality. We acknowledge that this tension is a cause of distress to many.
Our discussions were frank and careful and, at times, painful. We committed ourselves to listen carefully to one another and speak openly about our differences within the context of a variety of reactions within the Church. Strengthened by our honest interchange of views, we corporately agreed a way forward.
But by even having such days of reflection one gives strength to the lie that same sex relations are somehow biblical and can be equal to marriage. They are not. A clear and honest read of scripture and a good understanding of orthodox teaching squarely ends the debate. Or am I missing something?
[blockquote]This will involve a major conference in Spring 2012 to which members of the General Synod and others will be invited. The conference will provide an important opportunity to learn from and listen to one another as the Church strives to discern the mind of Christ. [/blockquote]Which is another way of saying- We have no intention of doing what Christ requires of us as bishops. His own words in the Bible are quite clear, and the instructions left to us by the Apostle Paul are quite clear, but we do not want to follow those words, we would rather hold a conference and do what WE want to do.
“Our discussions were frank and careful and, at times, painful. We committed ourselves to listen carefully to one another and speak openly about our differences within the context of a variety of reactions within the Church. Strengthened by our honest interchange of views, we corporately agreed a way forward.”
Did they lift this paragraph from the TEC playbook?
TJ (#2),
I share your reaction to this pitiful attempt at straddling the fence. But FWIW, there are still orthodox, faithful bishops in the Church of Ireland. In particular, I respect and even admire +Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore. His diocese, although dreadfully low church, has been linked closely with my former diocese of Albany for many years.
I’m reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Cor. 14:6. “[i]If the bugler gives an uncertain call, who will come forth to battle?[/i]” And if the supposed successors of the apostles, the appointed guardians of the apostolic faith, don’t guard it, who will?
David Handy+