Posted on 01/10/2005 10:00:09 AM PST by DBeers
A leading UK newspaper has reported that a senior Anglican bishop has commissioned the first official Church of England service to recognise homosexual relationships and co-habiting heterosexuals.
The Sunday Times reported that the Bishop of Lincoln, John Saxbee has given orders to his staff create the liturgy for non-married couples to be able to come and give thanks to God for their relationship.
Although the move steers clear of forming a marriage service, it has angered a number of traditional Anglicans.
The blessings given unofficially to gay relationships in churches has been increasing this past year, with a 10% rise to 300 in England last year.
It is unprecedented that a diocese or bishop has authorised a rite for homosexual relationships. Saxbee has seemed to sneak by current Anglican directives and has argued that the new service is "consistent with current Anglican guidelines" as it does not attempt to bless or give sanctification to the relationship, but is simply a thanks for a friendship.
Many critics, however, have indicated their anger at the move and have stated that the distinction that Saxbee has made is semantic and damages the churches efforts to uphold the sanctity of marriage.
The chairman of the conservative pressure group Reform, David Banting said, "Who’s kidding who? Would liturgy for this sort of relationship have come forward for friendship’s sake were it not for the pressure from the gay lobby?"
Reform claim to be the largest evangelical group within the Church of England.
Reports have come out that of four books that have been prepared to help plan the services, three of these are "gay prayer books".
Saxbee has been at the centre of heated debate before within the Anglican Communion, when 2 years ago he publicly backed a vicar to bless a same-sex union. At that time he reported, "I have indicated I would not stand in the way so long as he abides by my condition that they must not be made to look like marriages."
The Lincoln Liturgy Committee have drafted the service, which is chaired by the Archdeacon of Stow, Tim Ellis. It is proposed that a welcome and opening reading will be chosen from approximately a dozen passages regarding the nature of friendship. The couples will later step forward to the altar and then thank God for their relationship.
Afterwards the couple will be able to declare their commitment and exchange gifts. The service will be offered to close friends, and not only to couples who are in an intimate relationship.
The Rector of Owmby in Lincolnshire, Peter Godden who is the secretary of the Liturgy Committee further enflamed the argument by saying, "We do recognise that the service will be used by same-sex couples, but we have not provided any specific references to any kind of relationship or friendship."
homosexual agenda pre ping
Worse than the obvious is the deception being perpetrated against those who need Him most!
And to those who made a committment through the Sacrament of Marriage a "F*** You!"
No wonder so few in England go to church. The whole flippin country has become one big San Francisco.
FTD is capitalizing on the new ceremony with the "Thank You For Ignoring God And Doing Me Bouquet".
The Anglican Church is exhibit one on why a church should not have official ties to the state. N o matter what lunacy gains currency there, they lose not a penny of funds.
Tis a shame as that church is a grand ole lady.
Bailiff, whack his pee-pee.....
(gratuitous Cheech & Chong reference, seemed to fit somehow)
Yeah, here in America, the Episcopalians can't tell a "bishop" from a "queen".
"I would say that we're far less far down this road you those in America or Canada."
Perhaps in Canada, but not here in the US. The gay bishop promotion in New Hampshire is causing the US church to split & many to leave the Episcopal Church for more traditionally oriented outlets. In the US, several Evangelical denominations, The Catholic Church, The Mormons, and many independent Christain churches are growing quickly. Often at the expense of former mainline protestant churches, which have pushed out the gospel in favor of PC gobbely-gook.
I don't think Britain has nearly as vibrant faith community as the USA.
ROTFLMAO
Their gender neutral ecologically sound condom and organic lube gift baskets are selling as well as their springtime of sodomy flower arrangements.
Unfortunately, that's about right.
Tis a shame as that church is a grand ole lady.
======
Maybe... but it's now a fact: the grand ole lady had a sex change operation !!! ;-))
Yes - more evidence we are in a time of Biblical Prophesy; the Churches are taking the apostate path...
Have these folks ever even opened a BIBLE?
If you want on/off the list let me know.
Next up, special services where you and your wife can affirm and bless that special mistress in your life...
Evensong for Prostitutes cannot be far behind.
Thanks for the ping.
sionnsar for your ping list.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.