This is an Outrage!

Today, "the Church of England" replied to HM Government's consultation on equal (civil) marriage. Though many may point out that this does not directly affect me, I am nonetheless feeling deeply hurt. Principally, when I saw the headline and read the upshot (TA) I felt as if my Church, to which I hope to dedicate my life (whether it be long or short, etc.) has betrayed me.

However, after the initial shock, I realised an important question: who exactly has betrayed me? The Church of England? It seems difficult to credit that based on the not-quiet portion of the Church who stand with me (or with whom I stand – e.g. Times letter, 21 Apr). No – someone (or some folk) has/have written this document on my behalf – on every CofE churchperson's behalf – and on the Church's behalf. (I have been unable to ascertain who this/these person(s) is/are – it barely matters.) An obvious further question is: who asked them to do so?  I did not. Who empowered them to? Again, I did not. This is also very important indeed, because (as Rowan Williams will know well) it is nigh-impossible to speak accurately on the Church's behalf – particularly in cases like this. To be clear, I am not suggesting that "the Church of England" should have replied in accordance with liberal Anglicans' views (I trust we have done that ourselves (if not, get on with it!)) – rather they should have remained silent, because the Church is not (yet) in agreement over this.

For balance, there is a chunk of the document with which I whole-heartedly agree: the civil marriage/religious marriage distinction is new, artificial, unnecessary and potentially damaging. The government should obviously introduce not just equal civil marriage (which is an institution they are essentially inventing on the hoof), but equal marriage. I understand that many churchs would not offer marriage services to same-sex couples; I understand that several desperately want to (including the Quakers, who, as ever, are more Friends to the rest of us that we are to ourselves!). But that would be okay – it would mean that when (yes, when) General Synod approve the conducting of same-sex marriages in CofE churches, we could move faster towards making that a reality.

Finally, I noticed that The Response claims:

8. It is important to be clear that insistence on the traditional understanding of marriage is not a case of knee-jerk resistance to change but is based on a conviction that the consequences of change will not be beneficial for society as a whole. (emphasis mine)

I only wish I could believe (even for a second) that were true. Not only in this case specifically, but also in general.

Please let me know what you think by commenting and let others know by sharing. Cheers!