How Should the Church Respond?

08:34 14-07-08

As I am sure many of you know the Church of England is currently having its Lambeth Conference. And one hot topic of discussion is that of openly Gay clergy, and what to do about them.

Well I don't want to talk about that. If you really want to know my views talk to me. Rather I think there is something just as important. I saw an article on BBC news talking about the protester at Gene Robinson sermon. (He's the first open, practicing gay Bishop by the way.) The BBC reports the protestor as: "Long-haired and clutching a motorcycle helmet, the interlocutor did not look much like most people's idea of a theological conservative."

Also if you watch the view here you can see the man being manhandled out of the Church.

Now there are two issues here.

The first is, that no this man wasn't dressed up in a suit, but surly thats a good thing, someone a little different being in the Church. He didn't fit in with the rest of the congregation. Fantastic. We need more people like this. However to me the BBC reports this as a bad thing, almost as if it explains why he was protesting.

The second point is a little more tricky.
Within the Church we must clearly respect our leaders. This is important, even if we don't agree with on all points, or we believe they shouldn't be leading. They were appointed by people who believed they were called by God. (Yes we are dealing with humans here, and we sometimes get it wrong)
However we also have a responsibility that if we think the person at the front of Church is preaching heresy, we should say. We need to stop the word of God being misrepresented. (Heck I know if I preach and was ever to say something wrong I would want someone to say something.) This man was simply doing that. The Bishop should have addressed what he had to say, changed his sermon if needs be.

The church has to be open to challenges, and has to be more welcoming to all people, even if we don't like how they look. Or shock horror, if they ride a motorbike.

rants Church

Comments

Mark

19:13 14-07-08

I agree...I also wonder though how the result of this conferance and even the publicity of the whole thing will effect the world's view of the church and Christians...by all means I don't think a man who is openly a practicing homosexual should be a Bishop however at the same time I wonder if we're emphasising the idea that Christians are judgemental and dislike everything to the world!

Ben

09:10 14-07-08

Ok, I agree with you there mostly, however I don't think the words this guy used were appropriate. Sure, you correct, rebuke and teach people, but you don't hurl abuse at them

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