Homosexuality and the Clergy

Following the divisions caused by the ordination of practicing homosexuals in the USA and Canada and the subsequent Windsor Report, the Church of England’s crisis over sexuality deepened recently when a number of clergy in the UK stated that they would defy their bishops over civil ‘gay’ partnerships. This followed the publication in the UK of the Civil Partnerships Act giving same-sex couples legal rights similar to marriage.
None of us can ignore this situation and although it is one that many would prefer not to discuss, it is one that is almost certainly causing an extremely serious split in the Anglican Church.

Despite the bishops’ ban on the practice, some clergy have gone so far as to sign a petition (which is posted on the internet) offering formal blessings to couples who have entered into civil partnerships. One of these clergy states “Jesus nowhere teaches that same-sex relationships fall short of God’s purposes. To withhold recognition and blessing of committed same-sex covenants is unscriptural”.

Although the writers of the Gospels never mention Jesus speaking specifically of homosexuality, possibly because the problem didn’t arise during His ministry amongst the Jewish people, Paul very clearly condemned it :- Rom. 1: 26-27,32; 1 Cor. 6: 9-11; 1 Tim. 1: 10. This can be attributed to the fact that Paul, whose connection with the Christian churches in Rome and Corinth was fundamental, found widespread sexual immorality amongst a large section of new believers. Also Jude, thought by many to be the brother of Jesus, again clearly defines the practice as a serious sin - Jude: 7-8, as did the apostle Peter - 2 Pet. 2: 6-10.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the extreme sinfulness of homosexual relationships, particularly sodomy being punishable by death - Lev. 18: 22; 20: 13; Deut. 23: 17; 1 Kin. 14: 24.

Not one of us is without sin, but with so much scriptural evidence that practicing homosexuality is sinful, I consider it completely unacceptable that we have leaders of the church who not only accept it, but promote it.

We pray that this rift will be healed and that those responsible will pray for forgiveness and refrain from expounding these unholy views.

Rod Taylor