Ian: You wrote, in part: "(3) Though it's politically incorrect to draw
attention to such things, many Anglican clergy are talking about having
gay marriage services. Apparently here's another bit of the bible (OT and
NT) that is supposedly no longer relevant to today's society."
I think this issue is more the result of some people doing some serious
Bible study and coming to the conclusion that the scriptures, unlike
tradition, are silent on some instances of homosexual activity. Whether
they are right or not (I think they are, but that's not the issue here)
their arguments take scripture as seriously as those with the orthodox
view they've always been taught. The scriptures are always relevant, but
sometimes we have, at least possibly, seriously misread them. I think
that was the case with slavery, which tradition upheld and ministers
looked for proof texts. Likewise with women in the church; my wife is now
seeking ordination, an act her father would have turned purple over. And
some are now coming to understand that while scripture certainly speaks
against "perversions," both heterosexual and homosexual, it does not
speak to adult monogamous relationships.
I have some study materials on my web site which have engaged my mind for
several years. All sides of the issue are included. Two days ago I
decided I had been "on the fence" long enough and the specific reference
below is my position statement on the matter. Is it politically correct?
Well -- I expect to take a good deal of flak about it, certainly.
Including some from my own family. But to not speak up for persons who
are marginalized by many of us would trouble me more.
John Burgeson (Burgy)
http://www.burgy.50megs.com/gay1.htm
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Aug 08 2001 - 18:50:28 EDT