THE BANNING of an openly gay man from volunteering for work with youth groups at Methodist and Church of Ireland churches in Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh, has been criticised by the Church of Ireland pro-gay Changing Attitude Ireland group. [Continue Reading]
Belfast News Letter: Public cash for CoI lobbyists
22 September 2011
ONE of the main groups in the Church of Ireland’s debate about whether it should accept clergy in same-sex partnerships has received thousand of pounds of public funds. Documents released to the News Letter under the Freedom of Information Act show that money went from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and Belfast City Council to the lobby group Changing Attitude Ireland. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Telegraph: ‘Breathing space’ call in row over gay clergy
14 September 2011
THE Church of Ireland Gazette is calling for “breathing space” in the row over gay clergy. The call follows the revelation that the openly gay Dean of Leighlin, Tom Gordon, entered into a same-sex civil partnership in July. The Gazette, edited by Canon Ian Ellis, stated in its editorial that while civil partnership is not a marriage, “and does not necessarily involve same-sex sexual expression, there is a very wide perception that it is a form of gay marriage, and perceptions are often as important as facts”. [Continue Reading]
Carlow Nationalist: Cleric’s same-sex union makes history
6 September 2011
HISTORY is often made by taking little steps, and a County Carlow-based Church of Ireland cleric has inscribed his name in the annals. The Very Rev Tom Gordon, dean of St Laserian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin has entered into a same-sex civil partnership with his partner of 20 years. The union is set to make history as it is understood Rev Gordon’s partnership is the first same-sex union for a serving Church of Ireland cleric. [Continue Reading]
