Posted on 02/06/2006 6:06:51 PM PST by sionnsar
From the Scottish Anglican Network website:
We are grateful to the Primus and the College of Bishops for giving some information to the clergy of the Scottish Episcopal Church on how they will approach the issues raised by the Civil Partnerships Act. We continue to pray for wisdom for them as they make leadership decisions.
We are concerned, however, that this statement lacks clarity. Whilst it states that Civil Partnerships can neither be performed nor blessed officially in Scottish Episcopal Churches, by implication it leaves room for unauthorised blessings taking place, even after consultation with the bishops.
It also fails to give clear and positive teaching on the importance of marriage. The legislation is being widely championed as ‘same-sex marriage’, despite protestations to the contrary by politicians and church leaders that it is not. It might have been helpful to the Anglican Communion if the bishops had sought to affirm the biblical and traditional understandings of marriage.
Lastly, the bishops do not offer any explanation of how they intend to handle clergy who enter into Civil Partnerships. The Church has not changed its position on sexual practice outside of marriage - it is forbidden. The recently published ‘Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy’ speak of ‘those who are not married, including those with a vocation to celibacy’. This permits relationships for church leaders which have never been sanctioned in the history of the church. As such, it appears to subvert and prejudge the much-vaunted ‘listening process'.
If a clergy person enters a Civil Partnership with a member of the same sex or irregular blessings of such Partnerships takes place in the Scottish Episcopal Church, with the tacit approval of any of the diocesan bishops, it will cause offence in many parts of the Anglican Communion. These events would also place further strain on our congregations as we continue to work for the transformation of communities and individuals.
Rev Canon Ian Ferguson (Trinity, Westhill, Aberdeen)
Rev Ian Hopkins (St Thomas, Corstorphine, Edinburgh)
Rev David McCarthy (St Silas', Glasgow)
Rev Canon Philip Noble (St Ninian's, Prestwick)
Rev Mike Parker (General Secretary, Scotland, Evangelical Alliance)
Rev Dave Richards (St Paul's & St George's, Edinburgh)
Rev Malcolm Round (St Mungo's, Balerno)
6th February 2006
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. Praise God! A few more Anglicans are found with their heads screwed on straight...
I only wish they hadn't used the term 'clergy person'. I would think they would be aware that having female ordained clergy is just as much a strain on inter-provincial relations as sanctioning Civil Partnerships.
Especially as every signatory is male.
In Christ,
Deacon Paul+
Oh, please.
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