Peter Kirk has placed some interesting information at his website concerning the recent Anglican ‘marriage’ blessing of two ‘gay’ clergy of the Church of England. It happened at the The Priory Church of St. Bartholomew the Great in London between the Revd. Peter Cowel and the Revd. Dr. David Lord, officiated by the Revd. Martin Dudley. The complete order of service is available from here, dated 31st May, 2008. The service began:
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation to join together these Men in a holy covenant of love and fidelity …
It went on:
Peter, wilt thou take this man as thy partner in the sight of God? Wilt thou love him, comfort him …
I Peter take thee David as my partner…
In all but name, it followed a marriage service - whatever it was called.
The following is an extract from my reply to Peter Kirk:
Please don’t read into this that I am down on homosexuals - I am not. In my view, they are handicapped in such a way that disqualifies them from holding pastoral leadership positions - whatever other qualities they may have. Lovable though a Down’s person may be, such a person would be unsuitable for pastoral leadership. We accept this, because of the mental condition. The same should apply to homosexuals. A minister needs to be an exemplar for others to emulate, especially children. Through perhaps no fault of their own, this they cannot be.
This is my position on the matter of whether homosexuals are fit to minister in the Church.
The practice of homosexuality is clearly forbidden in Scripture - even if the law of the land forbids it not. Rather than blessing homosexual partnerships, those with Church authority should be condemning.
It has happened as it is written: ‘God gave them up to vile passions … they not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them’ (Rom.1:26-32). However, let us keep everything in perspective. Many within the Anglican communion deplore what has been happening at home and in America. These Christian brothers and sisters need our prayerful support as they struggle - for they battle not against flesh and blood, but against the ’spiritual forces of evil in high places’ (Eph.6:12).
Thanks for the link. See also my comment in reply to yours, here.