Equal Marriage?

Whenever the House of Bishops issues ‘pastoral statements’ about sex, it usually makes for a rather unedifying spectacle. Its most recent statement regarding "civil partnerships for same sex and opposite sex couples' has caused hurt and dismay among many people within the church, while generating a sense of bafflement and indifference among many others. Although the statement presents no change or alteration to the Church’s traditional teaching about marriage, it offered little comfort or consolation to those who have been hoping that an ongoing process in the wider church, called ‘Living in Love and Faith’, would provide the church with more adequate theological resources to think and reflect about relationships which are truly life-giving and sustaining. As my former colleague, Bishop Martin Seeley, has pointed out, there is a need to ‘move away from this narrow focus on sexual activity towards encouraging relationships which embody and reflect God’s love for us, in which we support one another, and those who seek our help, whether single or in a faithful and committed relationship’.

The fact that the statement has been issued before those engaged in the wider consultations around ‘Living in Love and Faith’ have completed their work is a source of regret to many members of the House of Bishops. An apology has been issued by the Archbishops, but I suspect it will be some time before trust in the House of Bishops and in the process more generally is restored.

Meanwhile, at St Mary’s, we hope to stimulate further discussion about our theological understanding of marriage and relationships. On Monday 24 February at 7.30pm, we will be hosting a Moot, entitled ’The Theology of Equal Marriage’. We will be welcoming Professor Helen King (Classical Studies, Open University, and contributor to 'Living in Love and Faith'), the Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John (Dean of St Alban’s), and Professor Diarmaid Macculloch (St Cross College), to help us think about the various changes which have attended the church’s understanding of marriage over the centuries and the way in which Christians can respond constructively and creatively to more recent developments, drawing on scripture, tradition and reason. Please come and join us.

Tickets are available from Eventbrite.

 
The Revd Dr William Lamb
Vicar