The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ which
excludes no one; if the Church is not inclusive, it is a counter-sign of
the kingdom. The Church of Ireland should call, as some other Anlgican
churches have done, for all relationships to be assessed in the light
of an authentic spirituality, based on the kingdom values of healing, reconciliation, compassion and love. All are made in God’s image and,
as Christians, we are all one in Christ. Can the Anglican Communion
find the courage to speak prophetically and with integrity to those within
and outside the church in the third millennium of our Lord? [Continue Reading]
Sodom, Lot’s daughters, and other texts: Homosexuality, the Church, and the sanctity of life
March 13, 2013
A Tortured Debate
March 12, 2013
DURING the current civil partnership controversy, the phrases “the plain meaning of scripture” and “we have no choice but to obey” have been used on several occasions, often in the context of persuading people not to accept same-gender civil partnerships in the life of the Church. “Scripture explicitly condemns such unions; therefore Christians have no option in the matter,” is the assertion. This approach has the merit of being very clear, and is often welcomed as a sure guide in this highly complex and contentious area. But it ignores the fact that faithful Christians take different meanings from scripture according to their culture and their situation; and that “literalness” can involve misunderstanding as much as assertion of the core scriptural meaning. [Continue Reading]
Christianity magazine: “The Bible and Homosexuality: Part One”
February 2, 2013
The government has announced that extending marriage to same-sex couples will ensure the ancient institution ‘is relevant for our century.’ Marriage, however, predates both state and Church – it belongs to neither of them. All of which means there are some extremely complex and controversial discussions to be had about same-sex marriage – which our society will do well to reflect on before rushing to premature decisions. [Continue Reading]
Guardian: The radical evangelical whose support for gay marriage is rocking his field
January 23, 2013
When evangelical leader Steve Chalke announced his support for monogamous same-sex relationships last week, the news was received with some surprise by the mainstream press. While the Church of England continues its characteristically sluggish machinations on the matter and Tory attempts to legislate a way through a complex cultural moment falter, few expected an evangelical minister to make the next move. [Continue Reading]
Commemorating 30 years since decriminalisation
October 29, 2012
Jeff Dudgeon, speaker, and Gerry Lynch, officiant, at the service at St. George’s Belfast, 28th October 2012. [Continue Reading]
Photo: Church of Ireland, Presbyterian representatives signal strong support for equal marriage
September 29, 2012
Church of Ireland Canon Charles Kenny and Revd Chris Hudson of All Souls Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church conveyed their strong support for equal marriage to Green Party MLA Steven Agnew. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Telegraph: Homophobia is new sectarianism in Northern Ireland
August 20, 2012
A veteran Church of Ireland cleric has backed David Cameron’s calls for same sex marriage – saying homophobia has become Northern Ireland’s “new sectarianism”. Canon Charles Kenny has spoken out about the attitude to the gay community from within his own Church, claiming that bias was distorting the Christian message. Canon Kenny, who retired from Belfast’s St Anne’s Cathedral in 2000, told the Belfast Telegraph: “The same failings of the Christian Church, and the presentation of the Gospel, which led to sectarianism in the past are playing again now in relation to homophobia.” [Continue Reading]
Statement by Canon Charles Kenny in support of David Cameron’s comments on same-sex marriage
August 17, 2012
In Downing Street on July 25th the Prime Minister applauded the contributions over the years to all aspects of life in the UK of people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. He deprecated the fear and hatred that they routinely have to endure. Mr Cameron welcomed the social and political progress towards eliminating irrational and unjustified fear and hatred of gays over the past four decades. [Continue Reading]
Video/Photo: Changing Attitude supporters at Belfast Pride 2012
August 4, 2012
Thousands of revelers lined the route of the 2012 Gay Pride Parade in Belfast on Saturday, August 4, as floats featuring performers of all kinds brought a party atmosphere to the Northern Irish capital. [Continue Reading]
