Two weeks ago the Church published its formal response to the Government’s proposal to allow same-sex couples to marry, declaring itself firmly against the move.
The two bishops are the most senior figures to attack the stance. The Rt Rev Alan Wilson, the Bishop of Buckingham, said: “The statement is narrow and legalistic … Jesus didn’t say anything about being gay, but he said a certain amount about loving your neighbour as yourself.”
The Rt Rev Tim Ellis, the Bishop of Grantham, said the official position did not reflect the true “mind” of the Church.
Hmmm. An English bishop actually using the “Jesus didn’t say anything about being gay” trope! And Nick Holtam coming out with the “slavery” trope, too. The next thing you know, we’ll hear about the prawns.
I’d usually give Brits more credit for intellect. Of course, nobody has ever come up with a plausible argument for accepting homosexual practice and all that goes with it. So, I guess they’re stuck with recycling the old tropes. I haven’t heard a new pseudo-argument in many years.
I’m sure there are any number of conservative senior priests who would be delighted to replace these evil shepherds once they’re removed from office by their chief pastor. Have at it, Rowan!
Jeremiah 23:1-6
One can only hope that the English Church will find its modern John Fishers and Thomas Mores. But when society is stampeding (or being stampeded) in one direction courage is frequently in short supply.
[blockquote]”…Jesus didn’t say anything about being gay, but he said a certain amount about loving your neighbour as yourself.â€[/blockquote]
Of course Jesus didn’t say anything about being gay. He didn’t have to. Homosexual activity was what the pagan Gentiles engaged in, not the elect people of God.
[i] Slightly edited by elf. [/i]
Alan Wilson thinks of himself as ‘open evangelical’ but it’s plain this term is now functionally meaningless. ‘Fulcrum’ fails again.
Actually, He did: Mark 7:20-23; Revelation 21:8
#3, here’s what Jesus (who is God) said about “being gay”…
Lev 18:22. And with a man you shall not lie down in bed as with a woman. It is abhorrent.
Lev 20:13. Basically a repetition.
Matt 15:18-20, Mark 7:20-23. Sexual immorality defiles a person.
Here’s Ole Rafe’s paraphrase: Don’t do it.
Jim and Ralph, how very pre-critical of you both! Surely bishops know best?
Wait a minute, all the other bishops are agin it?
I fear a bit of dysfunction on a cognitive level.
They are both suffragans. They aren’t members of General Synod.
#8 That’s why they said it publicly. There will be bishops who are members of General Synod who think the same but won’t put it on record in the press, so as to enable them to function behind the scenes to move the agenda forward without drawing attention to themselves. That’s how the game is played in England.