Tory MP Sir Patrick Cormack, a prominent Anglican, said: ”˜This is extraordinary. I am surprised the rector of such an important church should act in apparent defiance of his bishop.’
Alison Ruoff, a member of the Church of England’s General Synod, said: ”˜It is incredibly sad that people are prepared to sin against God and the Church.’
Liberal clergy have flouted the rules by including prayers for same-sex couples during ordinary services, but full-length ceremonies are unprecedented.
Although not recognised in law or authorised by the Church, the service will be seen by many to be a spiritually valid blessing.
It will stoke the fury of conservatives who are threatening to split the worldwide Church if liberals are not brought to heel.
Mr Dudley said he was unrepentant. He said he had written to Bishop Chartres 18 months ago for guidance on blessings for same-sex couples in civil partnerships, but was told the Church’s House of Bishops had not approved them.
”˜Bishop Chartres asked me not to offer them and I do not offer them,’ he said.
”˜But if close friends ask me to bless them, I do not say no.
”˜It would be an act of hypocrisy to do anything else.
Ah, yes, the avoidance of “hypocrisy,” the [i]ne plus ultra[/i] of the wet set. Of course, in avoiding hypocrisy by marrying (and let’s be honest…it was a marriage) two homosexual priests, Father Dudley demonstrates that his profession of faith and agreement not to “offer” such liturgies were hypocritical, mendacious and dishonest.
Given the timing, whom, that is to say, who, is surprized?