Lesbian and Gay Christians Reply To Anglican Primates Statement (25 February 2005)


Members of LGCM acknowledge that the Primates of the Anglican Communion have been earnestly seeking to resolve fundamental differences of opinion on matters relating to biblical interpretation and authority, the responsibilities of leadership in the Church, and the lives of self-affirming lesbian and gay Christians in the Church family. While there is no immediate sign of unanimous agreement on these issues the Primates have helpfully set out a process involving further discussion, by all parties, and this we welcome.

We are reassured that :
a) the Primates respect the fact that the American Church acted within its constitution rights when it consecrated an American gay man, Gene Robinson, a bishop;
b) their is no allegation that the Canadian diocese of New Westminster acted outside its own rules when authorising a service of blessing for same-sex couples;
c) the Primates reminded all bishops of their duty not to encourage or initiate cross-boundary interventions, although we recognise this could impede mutually beneficial contacts and fellowship.

Of concern is:
a) the attempt to portray the American and Canadian Church as particularly responsible for the current tensions in the Anglican Church when, in fact, the responsibility lies with all those other Provinces which have failed for 30 years to listen adequately to the voices of lesbian and gay Christians
b) the attempt to prevent churches from developing their Christian witness within lesbian and gay communities, and more widely, by urging a moratorium on offering Christ's blessing on loving long-term same sex relationships.  

"We would support the American and Canadian Churches if they chose not to withdraw from the Anglican Consultative Council" said Rev Richard Kirker, the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement's General Secretary today, "as we believe those Churches have demonstrated, through their open and democratic structures, an encouraging example of how all Christian Churches need to respond to the presence of lesbian and gay people and loving same-sex relationships."

"We seek clarification of how the Church is going to demonstrate that it is 'unreservedly' 'committed to the pastoral support and care of homosexual people', while not engaging in their 'diminishment'.  Unless the Church involves self-affirming lesbian and gay Christians at all meetings when our lives are being discussed, the discussions will not be authentic or credible." ENDS

Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement [LGCM]
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