C of E Bishops' Statement on Civil Partnership

Civil Partnership http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/lgbt/faq.htm

Bishops of the Church of England issue Pastoral Statement.

http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr5605.html

The Revd Richard Kirker, General Secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement said today 25th July 2005 in reaction to the Bishops' statement:

“This statement is perfectly consistent with the Church of England’s policy of double dealing, duplicity and disregard for decency.

“Its recommendations will be ignored by those who wish to affirm lesbian and gay families and blessings will happen throughout the country regardless. While the fundamentalists will continue to refuse baptism to lesbian and gay people and block the baptism of their children.

“At a time where lesbian and gay people – yet alone lesbian and gay Christians – are looking to the Church to affirm their families and to help build stability and provide a safe space for them, the Church spits in their face. The Bishops’ Statement betrays contempt, once more, for lesbian and gay relationships and should be rejected as unloving, unpastoral and unworkable.

“This document is yet another charter for lies. Those in the priesthood are singled out – with very dubious theological reasoning – for special scrutiny. To be faithful to their calling and to their partners they will have to lie. A Church which forces its faithful clergy and bishops to lie is doomed.”

LGCM believes that the Church of England should be saying to those about to register their Civil Partnership:

1. We wish God’s blessing on your commitment to each other and we pray God that, through your public commitment, your dedication to the loving service of others will be enhanced. We pray for your families as they unite, and for your children, your godchildren, and all those who depend on you both for support.

2. We seek your forgiveness for the abuse your relationship continues to receive from some who claim to be Christian.

3. For those of you who are priests, we assure you of our continued support as you embark on this public affirmation of your love and commitment to your partner. We pray that this public confirmation of your loving devotion will open new opportunities for ministry and mission.

4. We seek your assistance as we lead the church to a fuller Christian understanding of love, sex, commitment, partnership, marriage and the development and maintenance of family life.

5. We seek your co-operation in developing appropriate forms of public worship which will encompass the public affirmation of your partnership.

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Press Officer Martin Reynolds
01633 215841 07795 162781
pressoffice@lgcm.org.uk Office Tel & Fax 020 7739 1249 .

pressoffice@lgcm.org.uk