Church Of England Bishops Refuse To Back Gay Marriage

[naomi24]

This would apply equally in the other Abrahamic religions too - Judaism and Islam - but is it right or wrong?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64313367

[Old_Geezer]

It's in accordance to the definition of marriage, so it's neither right nor wrong by that. Right for them, not to someone who wants to change the definition of marriage.

[naomi24]

Obviously it's wrong to those who want to change the definition of marriage within the church but the point is it can't be changed. It is what it is.

[bhg481]

The problem is, he says cynically, that the church will lose a lot of income if it doesn't agree to same-sex marriages and I think that might eventually make them change their mind.

[naomi24]

They CAN'T change their mind. The bible makes it quite clear that marriage is between one man and one woman.

[Khandro]

OOOOh! naomi quoting the bible for authenticity, whatever next?
But she's right, of course :0)

[naomi24]

It has been known, khandro. ;o)

[youngmafbog]

It's neither right nor wrong though is it?

The Bible says one man one woman so how can it be wrong for those that believe? Equally of course that doesnt make it right in the eyes of others.

It's a difficult one really, whatever they do there will be complaints.

[youngmafbog]

//quoting the bible for authenticity//

But only in that it is authentic for those who believe, which is what this is about.

[bhg481]

The problem is that the Bible is written in foreign and all most of us ever see (and quote) is the English translation, hence we end up with the virgin (young girl) birth and the camel (rope) through the eye of a needle. A different translation can offer new interpretations of God's word.

[youngmafbog]

True, but I doubt the translation would change on this particular topic.

Those that follow the scriptures, not in English think this is the case. Just look at what some other religions do to gay people around the world. All in the name of 'God'.

[douglas9401]

It's the slippery slope I tells ya.

Please show restraint when bashing the bishop.

[Khandro]

How is marriage defined in the Bible? It is first described in Genesis and later affirmed by Jesus, marriage is a God-ordained, covenant relationship between a man and a woman.

This lifelong relationship brings children into the world and thus sustains the stewardship of the earth.

Homosexuals can do all sorts of things (of which I'd rather not know) but they can't bring children into the world, so it can never be marriage.

So there!

[naomi24]

bhg, alternative translation wouldn't change that.

[barry1010]

Did they use the same argument about women vicars at one time?
They do have vicars who are in same sex marriages.

[youngmafbog]

Douglas @ 9:51. Sage advice :-)

[naomi24]

barry, I suppose the difference there is St Paul said women should be silent so the church can decide to move with the times, but God commanded that marriage should be between one man and one woman - and that is God's law which is immutable.

[naomi24]

Just to add, they don't change God's law but they do ignore some of it. Fortunately, we no longer kill our disobedient children.

[bhg481]

You also have to bear in mind that the Bible was written by men reflecting opinions at the time. They claim it was God's word but, in reality, it was what they believed.

[Zacs-Master]

To answer the OP,
It's right from the standpoint of a religious organisation if they are to follow their own rule book.
It's wrong of Gay people to expect religious organisations to change their rules, which have been known for centuries, to enable them to be married in the eyes of God.

[naomi24]

And still believe, bhg.