Still ‘very divided’ but Church of England regrets ‘shameful’ treatment of LGBTQI+
London: Church of England bishops have apologized to LGBTQI+ people for the rejection and hostility they have faced, but Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who recognized the religious body, was still “very divided” on the issue.
The apology comes days after the church presented proposals developed by bishops that showed it would oppose allowing same-sex couples to marry in its churches, while saying priests could bless them.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.Credit:AP
“We have not loved you as God loves you, and that is deeply wrong,” the bishops said in an open letter. “We affirm publicly and unequivocally that LGBTQI+ people are welcome and valued: we are all children of God.
“The occasions when you have received a hostile and homophobic reaction in our churches are shameful and for that we repent.”
The Church of England, which is central to one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions, the Anglican Communion, stuck to its teaching in the proposals that marriage is between “one man and one woman”. Gay marriage is legal in the UK.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, front row, center right, with bishops from around the world last year. The decision to ban same-sex marriage stems from a five-year debate within the Church of England.Credit:AP
“We are divided, there is no point in pretending otherwise. The Church of England and the Anglican communion are very divided,” Welby told reporters ahead of a synod meeting next month where the proposals will be discussed further.
“I’m sure the talks will continue. But this is an enormously important point, not only within the Anglican Communion and the Church of England, but also throughout the Church worldwide,” he added.
“It’s a long journey. I am sure that the last word has not yet been spoken.”
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/still-very-divided-but-church-of-england-repents-shameful-treatment-of-lgbtqi-20230121-p5cef8.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_world Still ‘very divided’ but Church of England regrets ‘shameful’ treatment of LGBTQI+
