Is the Church of England pro or anti gay? That was how much of the coverage framed the recent debate in General Synod, the equivalent of the Church’s parliament, about whether to allow clergy to bless same-sex partnerships. The fact that I, along with a group of other same-sex attracted synod members, spoke and voted against the motion, reveals that the reality is more complex.
The turning point of my life came when, largely out of intellectual curiosity, I read one of the New Testament Gospels. To my great surprise, I was captivated by Jesus Christ. Convinced of his lordship and his love for me, I resolved to follow him and, although I often fail, I have sought to do so ever since in all areas of life, including my sexuality. This is why the decision of Synod feels so personal for me.
Until now, the Church of England has been clear, along with Christians down the ages and throughout the world, that the place for sex is within the marriage of a man and a woman.
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