By Sandra Pragnell, SEARCH 36.1, Spring 2013—The Gospel and practice of Jesus is radically inclusive. In his life and teaching he models the acceptance and affirmation of outcasts. He says nothing about homosexuality. Yet the Church’s attitude to homosexuality, in its traditional understanding, appears exclusive and homophobic, contrary to the kingdom values we profess to uphold. Christian gay men and lesbians have been described as “exiles: banished from the family, from the church, and from creation.” [Continue Reading]
‘Those texts’ and the sanctity of life: a contribution to the debate on human sexuality
1 April 2013
Sodom, Lot’s daughters, and other texts: Homosexuality, the Church, and the sanctity of life
13 March 2013
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]
A Tortured Debate
12 March 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”
2 February 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]
