Same-sex marriage, not in church

After months of discussion the Anglican Church of England reiterated that on the basis of “Christian doctrine and understanding” marriage is “a lifelong union between a man and a woman” and that despite progress of national legislations regarding same-sex unions and marriage, this doctrine “remains unchanged”. Clear words from London. The statement issued last Sunday in London, jointly signed by the archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and by the archbishop of York John Sentamu, the two highest authorities of the English Church, is clear. Their position was anticipated in the light of the possibilities for same-sex couples that gradually gained grounds at legislative level. The 2005 law recognized a form of civil partnership for homosexual couples. In July 2013 homosexual marriage gained legal recognition until March 29 2014, when Great Britain is likely to legalize the celebration of gay marriages. The couple that wish to be the first to get married may send a formal request by March 13. “Marriage is one of the most important institutions – said the British Minister for Equal Opportunities, Maria Miller – and as of March 29 2014 it will be open to all, regardless of whether they fall in love with someone of the same or the opposite sex”. Pastoral care and sacraments. “We are aware that there will be a range of responses across the Church of England to the introduction of same sex marriage. As bishops we have reflected and prayed together about these developments”, write Archbishops Welby and Archbishop Sentamu. “We are not all in agreement about every aspect of the Church’s response. However we are all in agreement that the Christian understanding and doctrine of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman remains unchanged”. The archbishops also state that even “same sex relationships often embody genuine mutuality and fidelity…” “two of the virtues which the Book of Common Prayer uses to commend marriage”. However – the two Anglican bishops point out – to recognize the presence of these virtues in homosexual relations doesn’t mean equating them to Christian marriage. Thus, at least for the time being it is clear that “it will continue not to be legally possible for two persons of the same sex to marry in Church”. Thus the bishops reaffirmed their commitment in providing the pastoral care of these couples and their participation in the sacraments. “Those same sex couples who choose to marry should be welcomed into the life of the worshipping community and not be subjected to questioning about their lifestyle. Neither they nor any children they care for should be denied access to the sacraments”, states the declaration. Ongoing debate. The statement clarifies certain aspects of the questions triggered with the publication of the “Pilling Report”, released by the Church of England in November 2013. The purpose of the Report was to provide guidelines regarding the debates on the question of homosexuality, due to continue. The document ended with 18 “recommendations”. The Pilling Report left Anglican Bishops, in agreement with the Pastoral Council, the freedom to offer prayers (if in conscience they felt to do so for pastoral reasons) to faithful in a same-sex relationship. Activists for the rights of homosexual persons immediately conveyed opposition to the Welby and Sentamu declaration. The Rev Colin Coward, said: “Many inside the Church know perfectly well that a significant number of bishops already break the guidelines. The reality is that hypocrisy is becoming increasingly evident”.