I concluded that an active sexual relationship between two people of the same sex might therefore reflect the love of God in a way comparable to marriage, 
if and only if it had about it the same character of absolute covenanted faithfulness. -- Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
In letters leaked to the media, the Archbishop of Canterbury, known for his personally liberal views but who recently recommitted the Anglican Church to its orthodox position that "homosexual practice" is incompatible with Scripture at the Lambeth Conference, makes a strong case for recognizing same-sex unions.
In the exchange an evangelical Christian, written eight years ago when he was Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Williams described his belief that the usual biblical passages used to condemn gay sex and relationships were not aimed at gay people but at heterosexuals looking for "sexual variety."
He describes his view as his "definitive conclusion" reached after 20 years of study and prayer. He did, however, draw a distinction between his own beliefs as a theologian and his position as a church leader. Williams also described how his view began to change from opposing gay when he was a university teacher and his Christian students told him they believed that the Bible forbade promiscuity rather than gay sex.
A true example of the students becoming the teacher...
Williams said he had:
definitely come to the conclusion that the Bible did not denounce faithful relationships between people who happened to be gay.
Although I am not a religious person, I have tried to open my heart and mind to understanding more- thanks to my meetings and conversations with Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Church. I am always watching to see where the church will go in accepting him and ordaining more LGBT leaders, as well as where they will move on the recognition of same-sex unions.
I hope that the ArchBishop of Canterbury's words can be used to educate those that would deny LGBT Anglicans the right to be involved in the church.
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1 Comment
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Now if he would only follow his own beliefs on LGBT issues instead of being held hostage by Nigerian bishops.
Bil Browning | August 10, 2008 3:51 PM
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