In the Scottish Episcopal Church, we’re thinking about our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on same-sex marriage and other related issues. The definition of marriage set out in our Canons is that, “marriage is a physical, spiritual and mystical union of one man and one woman”. That is the position of our church. It’s a difficult issue for us ”“ as it is for all churches and faith groups. We have among our membership people who feel passionately that change is needed ”“ and those who feel equally strongly that we should resist any attempt to broaden society’s understanding of marriage. The consultation period is very short. Among the things we shall say will be that if ”“ and it’s a big “if” ”“ we were to consider changing our canonical definition of marriage, that would require a two-year process in our General Synod, the outcome of which could not be predicted with any certainty.
We haven’t got involved in public debate about this. We’ve been asked for our view and we shall give it in a considered manner ”“ believing that the time for public debate comes later. However, it seems to me that some of the points being made ”“ particularly comments from our ecumenical partners in the Catholic Church ”“ raise significant issues about how we understand the relationship between church and state. They also raise important questions about the nature of the church itself.
Or, please lower the rhetoric Fr Holdsworth.
Actually, the Primus’ comments are fairly good, I thought.