Some Issues in Human Sexuality - an exercise in duplicity

As the General Synod of the Church of England prepares to take note of the recently published guide to the debate “Some Issues in Human sexuality.”. The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement publish a paper by Prof Adrian Thatcher calling into question its content and standing as a fair and adequate guide. (See notes)

Welcoming the commentary from Prof Thatcher on “Some Issues in Human Sexuality” The Revd Richard Kirker, general secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement said today (4th February 2004).

“The Church of England can not expect LGCM to welcome their new report. No self affirming lesbian or gay person was involved in weighing its arguments or signed their name to its conclusions.”

“Only a Church would have the arrogance to formulate a report in this way and still expect it to have value or to be given any authority and we see it as deserving of neither.”

“How can we have a free and open debate? This document itself acknowledges the vulnerability of lesbian and gay people but does nothing to help them emerge from the shadows to speak and witness to their lives of love and grace. ”

“The most obvious witnesses to the compatibility of homosexuality and public ministry are the thousands of lesbian and gay bishops, priests and deacons, ignored by this report, who live out their lives faithful to their calling, despite the dark clouds shrouding them in an enforced secrecy that is not of their choosing or making.”

“Only when each one of them feels free to proclaim their sexuality with the same openness as they can proclaim their love for God can we expect an honest debate and an exchange of views without rancor or fear.”

“Homophobia does not become more acceptable because it is reinforced by a particular way of reading scripture. No irrational fear of lesbian and gay people should be underwritten by reference to Biblical texts. While no harm might be intended, and many are genuinely ignorant of the injury their words and actions inflict on lesbian and gay Christians, that ignorance is no justification for any to promote this evil while claiming to do God’s bidding.”

“The tone of “Some Issues …” is oppressive, its purpose is to support the public position adopted by English bishops, a position that most of those Bishops would not confirm in private or adhere to in practice.”

“Where we agree with Reform and others of their ilk is that the duplicity of the Church of England is so institutionalised that it has lost any credibility. This document is a masterpiece of duplicity; General Synod should take careful note.” 

Ends

Notes:

Prof Adrian Thatcher’s commentary on ”Some issue in human sexuality” can be found in a PDF format at www.lgcm.org.uk and clicking General Synod on the menu.

The General Synod of the Church of England (the General Synod acts as the parliament for the Church of England) is meeting at Church House Westminster from 9th – 13th February 2004 more information from www.cofe.anglican.org/synod/ 

The Bishop of Oxford, chair of the working party that produced the report, will be asking Synod on Wednesday 11th February: “That this Synod do take note of this report. That this Synod commends “Some Issues in Human Sexuality to the Church for study and reflection.