Church of England: ‘God’s Blessing For Gay Marriage’ (Worthy News In-Depth)
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
LONDON (Worthy News) – After agreeing to make God, “gender neutral,” the Church of England confirmed Thursday it wants to “bless” same-sex marriage and civil partnerships.
The Church of England’s governing body, the General Synod, said it “welcomed proposals that would enable same-sex couples to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership to give thanks, dedicate their relationship to God, and receive God’s blessing.”
General Synod members also voted to “lament and repent” of “the failure of the Church to welcome LGBTQI+ people” and “for the harm that LGBTQI+ people have experienced – and continue to experience – in churches.”
Thursday’s statement obtained by Worthy News came after the centuries-old Church of England also said it is open to using “gender-neutral terms” to refer to God in prayers.
“Christians have recognized since ancient times that God is neither male nor female,” the Church of England spokesperson said.
The Church of England did not immediately say how it would reconcile that opinion with the Bible, long seen by the denomination as God’s Word.
John 3:16, for instance, says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.“ Numerous other Bible verses also refer to God in male terms such as “Heavenly Father” and “Him.”
INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
Yet the Church of England’s governing body noted that a priest asked about developing “more inclusive language” in authorized forms of worship.
The priest sought options for those who wished to speak of God in a “non-gendered way.”
While church services were not altered immediately, Bishop Michael Ipgrave, vice chairman of the Church’s liturgical commission, suggested that changes are expected.
He said the Church of England had been “exploring the use of gendered language in relation to God for several years.”
His words seemed welcome news for General Synod members meeting in small groups to consider “Prayers of Love and Faith” for same-sex couples.
Church officials said the prayers “could be used voluntarily in churches for [gay or lesbian] couples who have marked a significant stage of their relationships such as a civil marriage or civil partnership.”
The Church of England stressed that the General “Synod’s comments will now guide the bishops as they refine those texts carefully” in the coming months.
PASTORAL GUIDANCE
They “prepare new pastoral guidance for the Church on sexuality and marriage in the coming months before the prayers are formally commended for use in churches.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, added in published remarks: “It has been a long road to get us to this point. For the first time, the Church of England will publicly, unreservedly, and joyfully welcome same-sex couples in church.”
Sarah Mullally, who led the debate and chaired the group overseeing the proposals, called it “a moment of hope for the Church.”
However, she admitted that what they “proposed as a way forward does not go nearly far enough for many but too far for others.”
Yet, “it is my prayer that what has been agreed today will represent a step forward for all of us within the Church – including LGBTQI+ people – as we remain committed to walking together,” she added.
However, the moves were due to increase simmering tensions about the future direction of the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Sarah Mullally, who led the debate and chaired the group overseeing the proposals, called it “a moment of hope for the Church.”
However, she admitted that what they “proposed as a way forward does not go nearly far enough for many but too far for others.”
Yet, “it is my prayer that what has been agreed today will represent a step forward for all of us within the Church – including LGBTQI+ people – as we remain committed to walking together,” she added.
However, the moves were due to increase simmering tensions about the future direction of the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
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