Change whirrs ever faster in our world. The Church’s cogs turn rather more slowly. Sometimes this gives reassuring stability; sometimes it is frustrating. In December blessings of couples in same-sex relationships were finally authorised in the Church of England. Our churches can at last properly embrace LGBT people. This is a first step in a longer journey of inclusion: the prayers can be used in regular services but ‘standalone’ services of blessing aren’t yet possible. Same-sex marriage is some way off.
The Church has had previous pivotal moments in its history. Seven-day Creation was sacrosanct until science suggested otherwise. The sun orbited a static Earth until Copernicus showed it to be the other way round. Slavery was tragically long seen as part of the natural order. Women were seen as inferior to men.
All these beliefs were held in good conscience – if sometimes too conveniently – because Scripture appeared to uphold them. But Scripture came to be recognised as painting a bigger picture than selected texts suggested. The LGBT community has been extraordinarily long-suffering in awaiting this similar pivotal moment in the Church. I rejoice in its arrival, including as a parent of an LGBT young adult.
Jesus himself continually called people to see things differently. “The sabbath is made for man, not man for the sabbath” overturned traditional views. He called us to see beyond the superficial to truly see people – people he came to love and to liberate. How slow we can be to understand.
The C of E prayers for same-sex blessings are called ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’. They are available at https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/prayers-love-and-faith along with supporting resources. All the PCCs in the Otter Vale Mission Community are discussing the use of the blessings, leading to their coordinated introduction from April. Some people, from good conscience, may not be supportive; I can understand this since I once held the traditional view. If you have questions or wish to contribute to this discussion, please speak to me or a PCC member. Much celebration lies ahead!
