anglican views of homosexuality

   Many different Christian groups hold

different Christian views on homosexuality.

   Anglican views of homosexuality

   Unification Church views of sexuality

   Quaker views of homosexuality

The issue of homosexuality remains a controversy in the Anglican Communion. As of 1998 the majority of the Anglican Communion world maintain the view that homosexuality is a sin. In 1998, the thirteenth Lambeth Conference decided that ordaining openly gay clergy was "incompatible with Scripture" by a vote of 526-70, a view shared by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, and other orthodox Christian believers. This more view is also held by some traditional groups who have separated from their provincial Anglican churches due to a number of reasons including homosexuality, such as the continuing churches. However the majority of bishops in the United States and Canada] have argued extensively in that homosexuality is not a sin. Most of these bishops support ordaining gay clergy within their dioceses. The current of Canterbury] has stated his personal view that the Bible never spoke of loving committed relationships, only that of gay sex experienced by heterosexuals for pleasure, and that therefore the question is open. However he has been clear that his personal judgement does not determine the position of the Anglican Communion, and he has supported the general teachings of the Anglican Communion as reflected in the 1998 Lambeth Convention. In 2002, the Diocese of New Westminster in British Columbia (which includes Greater Vancouver) began allowing its churches to bless same-sex unions in marriage-like ceremonies. In response, bishops from provinces that regard homosexuality a sin, representing most Anglicans worldwide, cut their relations with the diocese. These actions of impaired relations caused concern with the Anglican Communion.

Gay bishop controversy

On August 2003 the Episcopal Church elected an openly gay priest, Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. This came shortly after a similar controversy in the UK, when the gay Canon Jeffrey John was almost consecrated Bishop of Reading. However, at that time John agreed to withdraw in order to avoid division. Although later in 2004 in the aftermath of the Gene Robinson, Jeffrey John was then installed as Dean of St Albans Cathedral, the site of England's first Christian martyr. A number of Anglican provinces, including the second-largest in membership (but largest in church attendance), the Church of Nigeria, threatened to leave the communion if a non-celibate gay man were allowed to be consecrated a bishop. In addition, a minority of priests and congregations within the Episcopal Church were also considering leaving the communion as result.

The 2003 Lambeth Palace meeting

As a result of the controversy over the ordination of gay bishops and the blessing of same-sex unions, on October 15, 2003, Anglican leaders from around the world met in Lambeth Palace in an attempt to avoid a schism on the issue. The day after, they released a lengthy statement: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3198992.stm

We must make clear that recent actions in New Westminster and in the Episcopal Church (USA) do not express the mind of our Communion as a whole, and these decisions jeopardise our sacramental fellowship with each other.

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If his Robinson's consecration proceeds, we recognise that we have reached a crucial and critical point in the life of the Anglican Communion and we have had to conclude that the future of the Communion itself will be put in jeopardy.

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In this case, the ministry of this one bishop will not be recognised by most of the Anglican world, and many provinces are likely to consider themselves to be out of Communion with the Episcopal Church (USA). This will tear the fabric of our Communion at its deepest level, and may lead to further division on this and further issues as provinces have to decide in consequence whether they can remain in communion with provinces that choose not to break communion with the Episcopal Church (USA).

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Similar considerations apply to the situation pertaining in the Diocese of New Westminster.

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We commend the report of that Conference in its entirety to all members of the Anglican Communion, valuing especially its emphasis on the need "to listen to the experience of homosexual persons, and... to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ"; and its acknowledgement of the need for ongoing study on questions of human sexuality.

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As Primates, it is not for us to pass judgement on the constitutional processes of another province. We recognise the sensitive balance between provincial autonomy and the expression of critical opinion by others on the internal actions of a province.

2004 Church Letter

In 2004 the Archbishop of Canterbury condemned comments by Bishops outside the Western world for inciting violence against gay men and women.

"Any words that could make it easier for someone to attack or abuse a homosexual person are words of which we must repent. Do not think repentance is always something others are called to, but acknowledge the failings we all share, sinful and struggling disciples as we are."

Subsequent Division

Bishops from two Anglican provinces, Rwanda and the Province of Southeast Asia, consecrated missionary bishops for the United States in January, 2000 and formally established the Anglican Mission in America later that year (see Continuing Anglican Movement). Bishops in Uganda cut relations with the Diocese of New Hampshire following Robinson's consecration on November 2, 2003. The Church of Nigeria declared itself in "impaired communion" with the Episcopal Church on November 21, 2003, and nine days later announced it was planning to establish a United States branch of its province to support Nigerian Anglicans living in the U.S. The Province of Southeast Asia broke communion with the Episcopal Church on December 2, 2003, citing Robinson's consecration as the reason for its action.

Stance of Churches

Within the Anglican Communion there is diverse opinion over homosexuality.

England

26 million members

The issue erupted when Jeffrey John a gay canon was elected Bishop of Reading. Before he could take up his post there was strong opposition from a minority of Bishops and he was persuaded to resign. However, many senior Bishops have voiced disappointment at his decision to resign. Later in 2004 he was then installed as Dean of St Albans Cathedral.

Australia

3.9 million members

No official stance on homosexuality; however, one national Church leader has stated the topic is not worth splitting the church over.

Canada

800,000 members

"Canadian gays and lesbians will continue to be welcomed and received in our churches and to have their contributions to our common life honoured," in a letter wrote by Church leader Peers. Same sex union blessings have been authorised by one diocese with others considering such blessings.

Central Africa

600,000 members (Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe)

Archbishop Malango was quoted as stating Gene Robinson "brought darkness, disappointment, sadness and grief" to his Church.

Kenya

2.5 million members

Archbishop Nzimbi has strongly spoken against gay clergy.

New Zealand

584,800 members

No official policy, although one church leader has spoken for biblical orthodoxy on the issue.

Nigeria

15 million members

The church remains sharply opposed to homosexuality, regarding it as taboo and against the Bible. Archbishop Peter Akinola has been one of the most outspoken critics of gay men and women in the Church.

Southern Africa

2 million members (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland)

Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane has criticised other African Churches against homosexuality and said that the church's attention should be focussed on other concerns such as AIDS and poverty. Their previous Archbishop, Desmond Tutu, stated:

The Jesus I worship is not likely to collaborate with those who vilify and persecute an already oppressed minority.... I could not myself keep quiet whilst people were being penalized for something about which they could do nothing, their sexuality. For it is so improbable that any sane, normal person would deliberately choose a lifestyle exposing him or her to so much vilification, opprobrium and physical abuse, even death. To discriminate against our sisters and brothers who are lesbian or gay on grounds of their sexual orientation for me is as totally unacceptable and unjust as Apartheid ever was. http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/12039.htm

Sudan

5 million members

Archbishop Marona says the Church should help with the effects of war and poverty before homosexuality. "We have much worse things to face," he has been quoted.

Tanzania

2 million members

Archbishop Donald Mtetemela has said homosexuality is against the Bible: "the Anglican Church of Tanzania believes that homosexuality is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. It is a sin." http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/news62.htm