“Human Dignity” Call revised following revisionist backlash
By Andrew Symes, Anglican Mainstream:
The first edition of the ‘Human Dignity’ section of the Lambeth Calls discussion document contained this paragraph:
2.3 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 same gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the “legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions” cannot be advised. It is the mind of the Communion to uphold “faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union” (I.10, 1998). It is also the mind of the Communion that “all baptized, 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).
Following a number of strongly worded objections to this from those advocating a progressive version of the Christian faith (all from affluent Western countries), the Calls Subgroup announced two major changes. Firstly, a change to the process, allowing bishops to register their dissent from the text of a Call. Secondly, all reference to Lambeth I:10 as representing “the mind of the Communion” has been removed. This is the new text as of 26th July:
2.3 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.
How will the Global South respond to this arbitrary designation of the church’s historic teaching, based on the bible, as an optional position alongside the blessing of same sex unions? The answer to this question will become clear in the next few hours. But then: How will faithful Anglicans across the world respond to this rapid capitulation by the Communion leadership to the small but powerful revisionist lobby? What implications for the Church of England when it attempts to discuss this early in 2023?
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