‘Deeply Unwise’: Church of England Formally Objects to Government’s Proposal to Legalize Gay Marriage
- Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:47am by
Billy Hallowell
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LONDON (AP) — The Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops of England and Wales formally objected Tuesday to the government’s proposal to permit gay marriages, both asserting that their historic understanding is that marriage is the union of a woman and a man.
Prime Minister David Cameron is backing a proposal to permit civil marriages for gay couples, despite the strong opposition of some lawmakers in his Conservative Party. Gay couples are already allowed to have civil partnerships, with the first such ceremony in 2005.
The churches‘ responses were released on the day when the traditional marriage group Coalition for Marriage prepared to deliver a petition with more than half a million signatures opposing the change to Cameron’s office. Thursday is the deadline for public comment, which the government will consider in drafting legislation.
“The uniqueness of the institution of marriage is based on the fact that the human person exists as both male and female and that their union for the purpose of procreation, mutual support and love has, over the centuries of human history, formed a stable unit which we call the family,” the Catholic bishops argued.
With attendance continuing to fall, the Church of England’s influence has waned. Perhaps mindful of that, much of the Church of England’s criticism of gay marriage focused on legal issues rather than quoting scripture. The response from the church‘s bishops and the Archbishops’ Council argued that gay couples already have many of the legal benefits of marriage through civil partnerships and worried that churches could ultimately be required to perform same-sex marriages.
“To change the nature of marriage for everyone will be divisive and deliver no obvious legal gain given the rights already conferred by civil partnerships,” the church said. “We believe that imposing for essentially ideological reasons a new meaning on a term as familiar and fundamental as marriage would be deeply unwise.”
Gay marriage backers pointed out that the legislation would only focus on civil marriages and would exempt religious groups from any duty to perform same-sex marriages.
Peter Tatchell, a leader of the Equal Love campaign for gay marriage, accused the church of “scaremongering, exaggerating the effects of same-sex marriage and advocating legal discrimination.”
Ben Summerskill, chief executive of the gay rights organization Stonewall, said “many bishops in the Church of England today will be rather pleased because once again they are not talking about global poverty or the HIV pandemic, they are talking about the subject that obsesses them, and that is sex.”
The Church of England’s traditional stance on marriage contrasts with its evolving attitude toward gender. It has admitted women to the priesthood, and is embroiled in a contentious debate about allowing women to serve as bishops.
About a fourth of weddings in England take place in Church of England churches, which are legally obligated to provide a marriage service for any resident of a local parish who wishes it, regardless of church membership.
The issue has caused friction between Cameron, who is allowing party members to vote their conscience on the legislation, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who expects all members of his Liberal Democrat party to support the change.
The Catholic bishops accused the government of moving hastily on the issue “based only on two very brief party conference announcements.”
“This proposal, which has the potential to impact so immensely on the social stability of our society and which has significant implications for the unique institution of marriage and of family life, appears not to have been subject to such careful study and analysis,” the Catholic bishops said.
The Muslim Council of Britain has joined the opposition. Its Muslims Defending Marriage Campaign assert that “our creator, Allah, has elevated this institution and conferred upon it blessings unique to it alone.”
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Comments (44)
The Third Archon
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 4:01am“Peter Tatchell, a leader of the Equal Love campaign for gay marriage, accused the church of “scaremongering, exaggerating the effects of same-sex marriage and advocating legal discrimination.”
Report Post »That IS what churches do after all.
Granny58
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 5:12pmNot really. I don’t believe out of fear, I believe out of revelation.
Report Post »the_united_states_of_britain
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 3:26ami just think british people are more considerate than americans. and the reason its being considered is because the majority of brits support it. because most dont actually believe in god. those who say its for votes are entirely correct, it is votes, but this would only be viable is the majority are in favour. i thought thats what a democracy is. doing what the majority want you to do to keep power.
no church would be forced to carry out gay marriages, at the moment in britain there are civil partnerships, which is basically marriage by another name. the majority of which are carried out in churches anyway. this to me is just a case of the church trying to impose itself in government policy making because it can feel its importance deminishing.
the church is dead, the myth of god is finally being wiped for our lives. the age of true enlightenment has begun. this will do nothing but hurt the church of england. which is proably the most progressive form of christianity. which is why its still manages to keep a firm grip in britain. stuff like this is only going to reduce its influence even more.
i dont actually support gay marriage, im undecided, but not because a church imposes it onto me. church is outside of government, to me its just a gigantic sci fi book club. i do not want some probably fictional almighty to dictate what i can and cant do. im not gay by the way. but i empathyse.
you lot would do good to look up the word empathy.
Report Post »Granny58
Posted on June 13, 2012 at 7:39amUm…we know what empathy means. Sanctimonious much?
Report Post »USA-Ron
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:14pmIf all Legal Americans were represented by the government officials that we voted for,
THEN all Christians COULD & WOULD —- STOP this gay marriage request, period !!!
Repent – Jesus is Coming Soon
Report Post »drenfroe
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:48pmThese politicians dont give a flip about anyone else it’s all done for votes. Do whatever it takes to get what they want no matter the consequences. God doesnt suffer fools for long. There are a few that support this way of thinking but the majority really doesn’t, the saleouts just say everyone supports this thinking. Sick world.
Report Post »The highlander
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:48pmThe fix is in – no matter the moral truth defines what marriage is and the divine reasons for it – an ancient evil that controls most political leaders is fanatically trying to destroy Western civilization beginning with purpose and meaning of a family.We are caught in a war – the question is will you be a useless pawn or warrior for truth in the most prophetic time since Christ walked the earth.
Report Post »aconstitutionalistlivesinbrooklyn
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 4:27pmWhat pains me is how oppressive having same-sex marriage is. The institution of marriage evolved from that relationship between a man and a woman where they make babies and nurture them, as all living creatures do, regenerating the species. And now, by sheer political will, we cannot signify that relationship. That”s oppression. The ancient Greek society had a vital homosexual component, where homosexual relationships between men were encouraged, praised, glorified and idealized. Yet the Greeks did not have same-sex marriage. The men were expected to marry women, and if a man did not marry he was scorned and suffered great social, economic and political penalty. The ancient Greeks did not have same-sex marriage because of discrimination or bias against homosexuality, but because it is wise.
Report Post »Granny58
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 4:38pmThank you, well said.
Report Post »Granny58
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 3:17pmThis is an issue that goes round and round in my head as I try to work it out. We all UNDERSTAND what the word marriage means. If you have to qualify it, i.e. “gay marriage,” then it is not really marriage. But Jesus tells us to render to Caeser what is Caesers (separate church and state) and to be in the world but not of the world. When given an option to vote directly or for a representative to speak for me, I will always choose to keep marriage as 1 man/1 woman. However, IF the voting weight tips over into allowing civil unions I will just have to live with that culture. It will be utterly dreadful, though, if the church body’s scale tips that way as well. There is no justification for that.
Report Post »mcsledge
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 2:17pmMan has lost his way. Live and let live, they say. I wonder how long it will take them to say ‘why didn’t you warn me’ when the fires of hell engulf them.
Report Post »jackact
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:47pm…… But adopted Sharia Law instead
Report Post »YoshiFD3S
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:51pmThe reason why ANYONE would hate the church so much is because it stands by doctrine that holds people accountable.
Nobody wants to be told every day that what they are doing is wrong or immoral.
And then you have human pride, which is the idea that “I know better”. Take a look at history to see how well that’s worked out. This applies to people who also misuse God’s word to try and somehow endorse their actions which are in fact contradictory to the faith.
Churches and institutions of faith are obligated to uphold God’s standards within their place of worship. Instead, you have LEADERS that blatantly disregard their own faith’s doctrine….all to avoid persecution, scrutiny, and ridicule from UNbeleievers.
We live in a world of “compromise” and “tolerance”. To some, that might not sound to bad…but it really is.
Members and even leaders of faith are compromising their faith in order to please society and those who don’t even believe in their faith to begin with.
“Tolerance” has become the acceptance OF sin and of sinful acts. To those who claim to believe in the Jewish God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob….God has always stated clearly what is right, what is wrong, what is acceptible, and what is not.
A good reference for “tolerance” can be taken from Revelations 2:19+.
Basically, Yeshua (Jesus) states that although you have done well in other aspects of the faith, you essentially tolerate things that are evil and in direct contrast to G
Report Post »OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:08pmDietrich Bonhoeffer was right…churches that sell “cheap grace” are dispensing eternal damnation…
When God calls something an abomination, how can any man call it “good” with a straight face? NO PUN INTENDED
James 4:7
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you,”
“Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil.” –
Thomas Mann (1875-1955)
“The world is a dangerous place to live,
not because of the people who are evil,
but because of the people who
don’t do anything about it.”
Albert Einstein
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil:
God will not hold us guiltless.
Not to speak is to speak.
Not to act is to act.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, that battle is your calling, and peace has become sin. You must at the price of dearest peace lay your conviction bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith.”
Report Post »Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920), theologian, statesman, journalist,
and Prime Minister of the Netherlands (1901–1905)
VastRightWingConspirator
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:29pmYeah, what they said.
Report Post »faithfullistener
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:25pmThank you for having the ‘balls’ to stand up and object to the government’s proposal. But we all know the government will do exactly as it pleases! Always has! Always will! Shame on those who continue to try and force gay-marriage down our throats…ha! And shame on those in political office wh continue to support their efforts! What has happened to the morals of our society?
Report Post »YoshiFD3S
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:14pmFor a government in any way, shape, or form, to introduce a system of legal obligation upon the church (members of faith) to not only accept, condone, and essentially endorse gay marriage is ridiculous. The idea that a person of faith would in fact be condemned or even punished for NOT accepting something that so strongly goes against their faith is absurd! Government needs to GTFO.
It’s all sounding like a repeat of the Europeans that fled to America to avoid religious persecution.
Suddenly, instead of homosexuality being deemed immoral and a completely mental personal decision….you have people flipping it around essentially condemning any and all who don’t support their personal lifestyle.
The whole thing is such cr@p. Homosexuality has NEVER been proven to be a scientific genetic “defect” of any kind. In reality, even the most ardent of supporters during the 60‘s and 70’s openly admit that their intention was never to prove themselves through science, even though they harassed the living bejeezus out scientists at the time. Instead, they admit that their motives were ALWAYS political in nature. THAT’S why they wanted to change the definition of homosexuality.
Dude, if gay couples want the same legal rights as straight couples….FINE, but don’t go and try to change the historical and biblical definition of marriage, or condemn a church for simply standing by their faith and not swaying with society’s whims. THAT’S where I draw the line.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:37amProof that the crazies have taken over the asylum.
Report Post »slr4528
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:59amCameron needs to go. He is no conservative. I actually think Cameron losing to Labour next time would be a good thing. Labour will spend the UK into the great abyss and then the UK will be screaming for a real conservative to fix the mess.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:58amThe Episcopalians should listen to the Church of England (their spiritual source).
Report Post »encinom
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:07amYou mean a Church founded when a King couldn’t get a divorce is has moral authority about the protection of marriage, what a joke.
Report Post »YoshiFD3S
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:22pmHow about self-proclaimed members of faith stop trying to change GOD’s word and just READ IT FOR WHAT IT IS.
Maybe if all the self-proclaimed biblical believers of the world would actually adhere to the scriptural doctrine of their faith instead of trying to change it to suit society….we’d have a lot fewer problems.
The problem nowadays is inconsistency. The very fact that so many faiths have branched out from ONE source of scripture just proves how people are unable to accept God’s word for what it is, word for word.
Instead, you have people who will always just pick and choose parts of the bible as it applies to THEIR life, supports THEIR lifestyle, and THEIR personal choices….minimizing ANY real sense of accountability.
The bible is black and white. From day 1, it has and always clearly-stated right from wrong, and what to do in order to achieve peace and happiness in the world. For those who actually understand and apply biblical principles to their life, they are rewarded with a level of peace and contentment that unbelievers will NEVER know.
Those who don‘t understand God’s word will never understand that TRUE peace and prosperity can ONLY be obtained when people and societies actually adhere to God’s word. Instead, the prideful nature of men “knowing better than God” has gotten us to where we are today. Corruption, greed, evil, etc.
Report Post »VastRightWingConspirator
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:35pmYOSHI
Report Post »Amen!
Patrick74
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:37pmBut, Yoshifd – the Bible isn’t the basis of the Faith. The Faith pre-existed the Bible, as did the Church. All Scripture is good for reproof and instruction, but the Church is the pillar and ground of Truth (and, no, that doesn’t mean Rome, nor does it mean the so-called “invisible” Church).
I think when one also looks at the fact that just “reading the Scriptures” has led to thousands upon thousands of “churches,” and heresies upon heresies, it should be rather obvious that merely reading the Bible, even praying about what one reads, doesn’t necessarily lead to the True Faith.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 2:12pm@Enicom – The separation of the Church of England fm the Roman Catholic Church is far more complicated than Henry wanting to divorce Catherine.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:56amWhy do gays hate heterosexual marriages? Why does government discriminate against heterosexual couples? They’re haters!
Government should be OUT of the marriage business…period!
Report Post »iampraying4u
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:36amWay to go church time to get some backbone
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:32amBattle lines are being drawn…caused by the bloody minority left. They are a wasteful lot…taking my tax dollars for their insignificant push…the squeaky wheel may not get the grease this time.
Report Post »jacobisrael
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 2:06pmupdate: “Gay” is derived from the Biblical term gey
But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you, Matthew 11:24
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Deuteronomy 23:17
And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. 1Kings 14:24
They die in youth, and their life is among the sodomites. Job 36:14
`And a man who lieth with a male as one lieth with a woman; abomination both of them have done; they are certainly put to death; their blood is on them. Lev 20:13
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:27amHenry The VIII would be cutting some heads off.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:26amThese attempts by governments to control churches is only going to end badly for governments, it always has. So, let the church/gubmint wars begin!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:26amWhy can’t they come up with a new word for this “union.” Since a marriage has always been between a man and a woman , this new idea of a union between two of the same sex needs a new name.
Report Post »Johann
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:24amThere is absolutely no doubt that once homosexual marriage is legalized that Christian churches will be forced by the law to perform these rites which go against their religious beliefs. In America prominent politicians like Joe Biden, an ardent supporter of homosexuality, would publicly call for the criminalizing of churches who do not follow his moral beliefs; he has already publicly attacked Pope Benedict on the abortion issue and Biden has no compunction about attacking all Christian churches. Biden seems obtuse and dim witted but there is no doubt like his boss Obama he is zealous campaigner for the neo American ethical and moral system. The Church of England also has fanatics embedded in its hierarchy who would gladly go along with government criminalizing churchmen who refuse to bow to the government. In the sixteenth century the English Catholic martyr Thomas More died with these words on his lips.” I die the king;s good servant but God;s first”. The question is whether there are any more Mores left in England.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:30amYou bring up the most important legal problem in this new definition of ” marriage.“ Think that they need to separate ” marriage ” from these new unions to prevent the loss of individual freedoms that you have mentioned.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:37amThat is the game plan, it’s alarmingly obvious.
Report Post »palerider54
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:04amIf the Catholic Church here had any backbone at all it would excommunicate Joe Biden.
WhooooooWheeeee would the doo-doo not hit the fan then.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:29pmPALE: Agree. Pelosi also. They are classic examples of the old sin ” of giving bad example.” Used to be considered a sin. Now it’s considered being a Democrat !
Report Post »slr4528
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 1:05pmI completely agree. What people should question is why the left is so insistent upon the word“marriage” verses civil union. A civil union would give them the same rights as marriage. The reason being is that this will be the tool they use to tear apart organized religion. I really wish people would wake up to this glaring fact. The gay mafia is already attacking Catholic charities in MA and Chicago for not allowing gay couples to become adoptive parents within the Catholic charity’s system.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 3:31pmWhy is there “ absolutely no doubt” that churches will be forced to perform gay marriages? Has any church here been forced to do so? Has any Catholic Church here or in England ever been forced to remarry the divorce against its wishes?
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:18amIncurable gonorrhea strain spreading across Europe, health officials warn
Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/18762569/incurable-gonorrhea-strain-spreading-across-europe-health-officials-warn#ixzz1xaJf6OSR
(perhaps “an asprin” WOULD work!)
Report Post »csbaby
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:57amStand your ground. Oh, that’s something entirely different. But still.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:49amFinally!
Report Post »