Episcopal bishops fuel push to sign LGBT+ affirmation statement at Lambeth

Aug 5, 2022 by

By Mary Ann Mueller, By Mary Ann Mueller, VOL:

Dubbed as the “Statement from Anglican Bishops and Primates Who Are Keen to Affirm and Celebrate LGBT+ People” and drawing upon Ephesians 2:19, John 13:34, and Psalm 139:14 as its scriptural underpinning, the inclusionary pronouncement was released by the liberal bishops at Lambeth Tuesday (Aug. 2) evening.

The signatories, including six primates, four archbishops, many bishops and one bishop-elect, signed the document before the Lambeth Call on Human Dignity was discussed, but released after the closed door session was adjourned. All six of the gay and lesbian bishops attending Lambeth signed the “God is Love” statement celebrating and affirming the LGBT+ lifestyle as holy.

Of the growing number of signers, more than half are from The Episcopal Church in the United States of America; others are from the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil; the Anglican Church of Australia, the Church in Wales, the Anglican Church in New Zealand, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Church of England, the Church of Ireland and the Anglican Church of Mexico. More than one third of the signers are women bishops.

The statement reads: “So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19) …

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) …

“God is Love! This love revealed by Jesus, described in the Scriptures and proclaimed by the Church, is Good News for all — without exception. That is why we believe that LGBT+ people are a precious part of God’s creation — for each of us is ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14) and all are equally loved. …

“We recognise that many LGBT+ people have historically been wounded by the Church and particularly hurt by the events of the last few weeks. We wish to affirm the holiness of their love wherever it is found in committed relationships.

“We therefore commit to working with our siblings across the Communion to listen to their stories and understand their contexts, which vary greatly. However, we will never shy away from tackling discrimination and prejudice against those of differing sexualities and gender identities. …

“Together, we will speak healing and hope to our broken world and look forward to the day when all may feel truly welcomed, valued and affirmed.”

Read here

Read statement here

 

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