Among many topics discussed – the following is one we have been asked to publish:
The following day we released a worldwide message to Anglicans and a press statement following:
On the 30th November 1995, as the world celebrated St Andrew’s day, under the aegis of the CEEC, a group of British Biblical and moral theologians published a significant and widely welcomed contribution to the then debate on homosexuality within the church. It was received by many as a thoughtful, cogently argued and pastorally sensitive contribution to the discussions, and has been broadly referenced, read and re-read in the seventeen years since it was first published. The church’s conversation on the theology and ethics of same sex relationships continues unabated. Sometimes good thinking has been marred by insensitive and occasionally homophobic attitudes. Other times, genuinely compassionate and inclusive attitudes have been weakened by a lack of biblical rigor, and a consequent misreading of the revealed mind of God. Since 1995 social change, relational practice and ethical thinking within the church have undergone a notable transformation away from orthodox biblical thinking. Parallel to this is an increasingly comprehensive public avowal of homosexual practice greater than in any other time in our church and nation’s history.
Now that the government has called for a public debate on same sex marriage, effectively involving a redefinition of marriage itself, the urgency of thoughtful, biblical discussion set in the context of the Anglican formularies, their commitments and hermeneutic is especially pressing. The Church of England Evangelical Council offers this irenic, finely argued, biblically articulate monograph, set as it is in the rich context of foundational Anglican thinking, to engage all in our church of whatever persuasion. Like its predecessor it is notable for both its rigour and sensitivity, and for this we are deeply thankful for its authors’ humanity and scholarship. Of course there are other important matters such as equality and human rights that also require thorough biblical thinking and analysis; but before we address such issues, we believe it is important to restate and reaffirm classic, foundational Anglican teaching on this matter.
St Matthias Day 14th May 2012:
Introduction:
The following short statement seeks to help Anglicans understand our church’s teaching in the area of marriage and sexual relationships and its relevance today. It does so by providing a five-fold summary of that teaching based in Scripture and Anglican tradition. This teaching should be our guide if we are to remain faithful in our pastoral, prophetic and missional responsibilities and in our inter-Anglican and ecumenical relationships. The Church must, like Christ, welcome, love and respect all, particularly those who feel excluded and marginalized such as those who identify as sexual minorities. It must also, like Christ, bear witness to God’s good purposes for humanity and call for repentance, assisting all return to God’s will whenever we depart from these purposes. Why is this statement of Anglican teaching necessary? The Anglican Church’s teaching about marriage and sexual relationships other than marriage currently faces a number of challenges:
• Within The Anglican society, attitudes to sexual relationships have changed in recent decades and there are plans to redefine marriage to become more inclusive to all.
• Within the Anglican Communion, some dioceses and provinces are changing their teaching and practice.
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12.14) We offer this statement to Anglican Christians in the hope that, guided and nourished by Scripture and tradition, we may be led together into the way of peace and holiness as we seek to bear faithful witness to the grace and truth of Christ in society and the wider church. We do so aware that as individuals and as a church we constantly fall short in our understanding and in our obedience.
In this and every area of our discipleship and mission we must, therefore, be constant in prayer, seeking the grace of God -
“O God the strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Collect for the First Sunday after Trinity BCP)
“At a time of unprecedented assault on the historic biblical understanding of marriage I welcome every strand of support for orthodoxy including this statement from the CEEC.’’ The Revd John Dunnett, CPAS General Director and Member of General Synod for Chelmsford Diocese
“This clear statement properly recognizes the primacy of biblical teaching with respect to marriage , and rightly calls Anglicans to reaffirm that teaching. In line with Scripture, our formularies are plain enough on the definition of marriage as a distinctively male-female union, and the statement reaffirms that definition while urging gracious, pastoral and Christ-like interaction with gay and lesbian people. It is both welcome and timely.” The Revd Dr David Hilborn, Principal, St. John’s College, Nottingham
We must love all who need to be turned back to following the teachings of our Saviour – in the way our Saviour taught. If we can correct the misunderstandings of Biblical interpretation in such a manner that we return a precious soul to Christ’s fold, we will truly serve Him. The Church isn’t dictating the behavior or choice of an individual. We are teaching our belief in a manner that serves our Savior while worshiping and following His commandments.
Reverend Jack
