The Archbishop of Canterbury has confirmed the legitimacy of a 1998 church proclamation that homosexual sex is ‘incompatible with scripture,’ while also stating that he will not penalize churches that hold same-sex marriages.
Justin Welby attempted to pacify conservative bishops who want to put an anti-gay marriage element into the Lambeth Conference’s formal resolution in an address to over 650 bishops.
The Global South Fellowship, which includes all African Evangelical congregations – some in countries where homosexuality is still illegal – plans to hold an unofficial poll this week to reaffirm the language of the 1998 declaration, known as Lambeth 1.10, which states that gay marriage is not tolerated by the church.
The worldwide Anglican church’s head also attempted to appease supporters of LGBTQ inclusiveness by stating that he does not have “the ability to censure or expel a church” if they conduct or bless same-sex marriages.
Mr Welby was chastised for attempting to appease both sides, with one famous Anglican stating he was ‘trying to ride two horses at the same time, which is impossible’.
The conference, which first took place in 1867 and is supposed to convene once a decade, is being held for the first time in 14 years, having been postponed by the pandemic as well as fears of divisions in the church.
As part of the conference delegates were supposed to vote on the so-called Lambeth Calls but it was decided that voting on the resolution could lead to further division.
In the draft calls, published last week, the section on ‘human dignity’ stated: ‘It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that same-gender marriage is not permissible.’
‘The conventional notion of marriage is something that is recognized, accepted, and without doubt by the vast majority of the Anglican Communion,’ he added.
‘To dispute this doctrine is inconceivable for them, and in many countries would result in mockery, contempt, and even violence on the church.’
What is the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches?
The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches, formerly known as Global South, is a worldwide organization of around 25 conservative Anglican provinces.
The association claims to represent 75% of Anglicans worldwide, including Africa, South America, Asia, and Oceania.
The group presented a “resolution” to the Lambeth Conference, asking bishops to reaffirm Resolution 1.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference, and plans to hold an unofficial poll of bishops on the matter this week.
It also wants churches that disregard the resolutions to be sanctioned.
However, he acknowledged that in some nations, challenging updated ideas on sexuality is “unthinkable,” and that “for these churches to not revise conventional doctrine undermines their very survival.”
The issue of sexuality is the most contentious throughout the 12-day summit, with the archbishops of Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda boycotting it because to what they regard as the communion’s leaders’ inability to take decisive action to confirm traditional teachings on the subject.
The Church of England prevents clergy from performing same-sex weddings, but the Anglican Churches of Wales and Scotland bless gay and lesbian couples, and the Episcopal Church in the United States has permitted same-sex marriage since 2015.
Jayne Ozanne, a church advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, slammed Mr Welby’s attempt to reassert the church’s orthodox attitude.
‘Archbishop @JustinWelby is attempting to ride two horses at the same time, which is impossible,’ she remarked on Twitter.
‘It would be humorous if one of the horses wasn’t attempting to stomp LGBT+ people underfoot!’
‘I am very offended that, once again, the preservation of a man-made institution has taken precedence above the safety of LGBT+ individuals.’
‘Let us be clear: Lambeth 1.10 promotes ‘conversion therapy.’
‘It is a stick with which many people over the world will continue to be beaten and suffer.’
The bishops from over 165 nations met today at Lambeth Palace in London for an environmental day.
‘It is with great pleasure that I extend my cordial welcomes as you continue your meeting at the fifteenth Lambeth Conference,’ said the Queen, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, in a message to the conference today.
‘As we all emerge from the epidemic, I know that the Conference is taking place at a moment when the love of God – both in word and deed – is much needed.’
Related posts:
- Breakthrough in coldBreakthrough in 1998 fire that killed Arthur Haines case killing of teenager Arthur Haines who was burned to death in 1998 fireIn a significant cold case development, a man has been detained in relation to the death of a teenage boy in a home fire more...
- Pope set the date for the canonization of Blessed Artemide Zatti together with Blessed Giovanni Battista ScalabriniBl. Artemide Zatti. / Twitter @infoANS_EN Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, said during the consistory on Saturday that...
- Ras Al Khaimah’s credit rating affirmed by Fitch at ‘A’, with outlook upgraded from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’According to international credit rating agency Fitch, Ras Al Khaimah’s credit rating has been affirmed at ‘A,’ with the outlook changed upwards from ‘Stable’ to...
- Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury say South Sudan trip will be a ‘pilgrimage of peace’Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury say South Sudan trip will be a ‘pilgrimage of peace’. Pope Francis and the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby,...
- Archbishop of Canterbury warns that social media is polarizing society and threatening Christian heritage.The Archbishop of Canterbury cautioned Tuesday that social media is polarizing society and eroding the ‘common narrative’ of the Christian tale that unites Britain. Online...
- Archbishop of Canterbury said Queen Elizabeth feared deathAccording to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Queen Elizabeth II does not fear death. Justin Welby, 66, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today Show on Friday...
- Most days, Liz Truss begins her day with a run across the grounds of the Archbishop of Canterbury.The Prime Minister promised that she would ‘hit the ground running’ if she won the Tory leadership – and she has been true to her...
- During the lockdown, the Queen’s vow and her faith were praised by the Archbishop of Canterbury.When Covid struck, the Queen assured the worried nation: ‘We will meet again.’ And her strong faith meant she died believing those words would also...
- Archbishop of Canterbury praises Queen’s faith and tight promiseWhen Covid attacked, the Queen reassured the nation, “We shall meet again.” Archbishop of Canterbury stated in yesterday’s funeral address that the woman’s great faith...
- Former Canterbury Archbishop wants Ethiopian tablet returnedAfter calling the subject a “matter of faith,” a former Archbishop of Canterbury urged Westminster Abbey to hand over a precious tablet to Ethiopia. The...