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Homosexual Bishops: Anglican Decision
28 February 2005
Thirty-five archbishops of the Anglican Church worldwide met in Northern Ireland last week to try to resolve a disagreement which threatens to splinter their fellowship.
Thirty-five archbishops of the Anglican Church worldwide met in Northern Ireland last week to try to resolve a disagreement which threatens to splinter their fellowship.
The discussions centred on the issue of ordaining homosexuals to ministry. A crisis situation has emerged following the decision of the US Episcopal Church to ordain an openly homosexual bishop.
There is concern in the fellowship, too, about the decision of Canadian churches to bless homosexual partnerships.
After the meeting, a statement was released saying that the churches of North American should either change their stance on the ordination of homosexuals or reconsider their position within the fellowship. The onus for change was placed upon those churches.
Some observers believe that a split is now almost inevitable.
Many of those voting against the ordination of homosexual bishops represent nations which were once considered Christian mission fields.
Many of these representatives and their supporters feel that they're now taking the lead, calling the church back to a fundamental faith based on Bible principles.
Critics claim that they are standing in the way of progress in the church and making the Christian faith seem less attractive to outsiders.
Social commentator, Mal Fletcher, says: 'For Christians – and not just Anglican Christians – there will be two important issues here. The first is what the Bible teaches about homosexual lifestyle.'
'Throughout both the Old and New Testament of the Bible, certain sexual practices are ruled out for God's people of faith -- as a means of protection, morally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Among them are adultery, sex outside marriage and homosexual practices.'
'In each case, we're told that we can find forgiveness and a new wholeness by placing of faith in Christ. According to the Bible, we all need Christ's redemption -- and we all need it in every area of our lives, including our sexuality. But we must first be willing to abandon what we once embraced.'
'The second issue has to do with the internal well-being of the church. The Bible indicates that discipline should be applied inside the church with the goal of restoration and peace. But, it says, if there is a consistent refusal by one party to live by the basics of the Bible, there must be a separation, at least for a time.'
Anglicans around the world will be waiting now to see how the US churches will respond – and praying for a positive result.
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