Dear Editor,
We are aware, along with many others, of the considerable disappointment among the LGBTQ networks with the recent decision from the October meeting of the House of Bishops to pause the Prayers of Love and Faith process due to legal and theological reasons. They have expressed feelings of being misled and given false expectations by being offered what, as was clear to some for a number of years, the process envisaged could never deliver. For this reason they have our sympathy.
In all these discussions, we note that one aspect is often ignored or discounted. That is the existence of a number of people who regard themselves as Christians who experience same-sex desire, or who struggle with questions of sexuality and have found support and help through the ministries of Christian groups such as Living Out, X Out Loud, and Core Issues Trust.
The ongoing debate should not be presented in binary form as between those “for” or “against”. These Christian groups seek to provide support and understanding for those with such attraction who seek to conform their lives to the Bible’s teaching which they interpret according to the long-standing mind of the global church, as for example expressed in Lambeth 1.10.
We trust that the Christian ministry of these groups will be properly considered, especially by the House of Bishops, as the debate continues.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Finch (General Synod)
Rebecca Hunt (General Synod)
Dr Will Jones
Canon Andrew Presland (General Synod)
Canon Dr Chris Sugden
By email
