At Lambeth Conference, Global Anglican Bishops Acknowledge Differences on Human Sexuality
Nearly 650 Anglican bishops from around the world are currently meeting in England for the fifteenth Lambeth Conference, a once-a-decade opportunity for prayer and reflection, fellowship and dialogue on church and world affairs. Our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, and our diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, are among them.
Among the hottest issues on the agenda is a statement about human dignity that includes a section on sexuality, particularly this paragraph:
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]Prejudice on the basis of gender or sexuality threatens human dignity. Given Anglican polity, and especially the autonomy of Provinces, there is disagreement and a plurality of views on the relationship between human dignity and human sexuality. Yet, we experience the safeguarding of dignity in deepening dialogue. It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that “all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation are full members of the Body of Christ” and to be welcomed, cared for, and treated with respect (I.10, 1998). Many Provinces continue to affirm that same gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the “legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions” cannot be advised. Other Provinces have blessed and welcomed same sex union/marriage after careful theological reflection and a process of reception. As Bishops we remain committed to listening and walking together to the maximum possible degree, despite our deep disagreement on these issues.[/quote]
This was revised from a prior version which asked the reader to affirm the enforcement of I.10 (1998) (a resolution from the prior Lambeth Conference) and its proscription of recognizing same-gender marriages as “the mind of the whole communion”, itself a late revision that even drafters of the document said caught them by surprise. In response to this new version, some bishops who support the ban announced they would not be taking Communion with those who do not. In her remarks from that day, Bishop Hughes said,
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]I was surprised to see how much is being made in news sources of the global south bishops who have chosen not to receive communion. Let me be clear, their number is small and most bishops, that means hundreds of bishops are receiving communion. Yes, the division is obvious, but even more obvious is the genuine caring and affection growing among all of us. I do not know how the Holy Spirit gets her work done, but I can tell you she is busy drawing us into deeper relationship with each other. I trust her to help us navigate division.[/quote]
In his remarks opening today’s session, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury (the presiding bishop of the Church of England and chair of the conference) said (emphasis mine):
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]For the large majority of the Anglican Communion the traditional understanding of marriage is something that is understood, accepted and without question, not only by Bishops but their entire Church, and the societies in which they live. For them, to question this teaching is unthinkable, and in many countries would make the church a victim of derision, contempt and even attack. For many churches to change traditional teaching challenges their very existence.
For a minority, we can say almost the same. They have not arrived lightly at their ideas that traditional teaching needs to change. They are not careless about scripture. They do not reject Christ. But they have come to a different view on sexuality after long prayer, deep study and reflection on understandings of human nature. For them, to question this different teaching is unthinkable, and in many countries is making the church a victim of derision, contempt and even attack. For these churches not to change traditional teaching challenges their very existence.
So let us not treat each other lightly or carelessly. We are deeply divided. That will not end soon. We are called by Christ himself both to truth and unity.
Third, there is no attempt to change people’s minds in this Call. It states as a fact that the vast majority of Anglicans in the large majority of Provinces and Dioceses do not believe that a change in teaching is right. Therefore, it is the case that the whole of Lambeth 1.10 1998 still exists. This Call does not in any way question the validity of that resolution. The Call states that many Provinces – and I say again, I think we need to acknowledge it’s the majority – continue to affirm that same-gender marriage is not permissible. The Call also states that other provinces have blessed and welcomed same sex union or marriage, after careful theological reflection and a process of reception.
In that way, it states the reality of life in the Communion today. As is said in the letter, and I re-emphasise, there is no mention of sanctions, or exclusion, in 1.10 1998. There is much mention of pastoral care. As Lambeth 1.10 also states: “all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation are full members of the Body of Christ” and to be welcomed, cared for, and treated with respect (I.10, 1998).[/quote]
Though this may feel discouraging, it is important to take it in context, as framing both viewpoints in nearly identical perspective and weight represents a seismic shift from the last Lambeth Conference when I.10 was adopted. In his own statement, Presiding Bishop Curry said:
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]My friends, I’ve been a bishop 22 years. I’ve been a priest over 40 years. And I have to tell you that as far as I know that is the first time a document in the Anglican Communion has recognized that there is a plurality of view on marriage. And that these are perspectives that reflect deep theological and biblical work and reflection. That they reflect and respect the context in which we live and seek to address the pastoral needs of our people, of all the children of God—that’s why I say today is a hopeful day.[/quote]
Bishop Hughes agreed:
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]Archbishop Justin’s leadership has become more expansive and expressive each day. He speaks in a forthright manner while firmly guiding us to face the facts of where we are now. A vital component of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s ministry is to unite the communion. Helping us to grapple with the differences of beliefs and theologies we hold within the communion is a truthful approach to a complex situation.
I do not know if he can keep us united, but I openly admit that I am pulling for him. I am pulling for us. I hope we decide that our relationships are more important than our rightness. I hope we can live our individual calls to ministry despite the differences between us.[/quote]
You can follow Bishop Hughes’ Lambeth journey on the Diocese of Newark website