Over the past 24 hours, 450 General Synod members of the Church of Ireland (together with several ecumenical guests) have come together from across the island and all the dioceses of the Church to engage with each other on this subject in innovative ways. It has been a substantial conversation reflecting strongly held convictions characterised by clarity of expression without judgmentalism. The conference enabled interactive engagement by participants from a wide range of different perspectives, focusing on complex and sometimes contentious issues. The climate was one of respectful dialogue, all the more valuable for its structured mixing of people who have not before come together or conversed in such depth….
Another serving of rich, Anglican fudge, barkeep!
Looks like they recycled the “official” statements of the “sexuality dialogues” held in TEC dioceses in the 90s and early years of this century.
If they would just read the Bible, they wouldn’t need a conference.
Do we even care any more?
Yeah, at first it sounds like the typical listening process,
[blockquote] The intention of the conference was one of enabling open discussion, rather than one of articulating policy or making decisions. We observed a common desire to welcome all people to participate in the life of the Church, whilst accepting that there are no easy answers to difficult questions.[/blockquote]
But then comes this,
[blockquote] In response to the Holy Spirit, the Church seeks to witness to society – with humility – rather than simply reflect current popular opinion. The conference comes at a time when there are live cultural and political debates relating to ‘same-sex marriage’. Within this context, the Church’s position on marriage as being the union of one man and one woman remains constant.[/blockquote]
This is a moderate response which leaves the door open for a different “context” to appear as soon as they think they can get away with it.