Index - Posting 24 January 2007 Vol. 3:4
God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell.
Psalm 68:6 (Amplified)
A disquieting week. The pending implementation of the Sexual Orientation Regulations has provoked accusations of an attack on the “rights of conscience” from sections of the Church of England and the Catholic Church. Others in favour of equal rights highlight the doctrinally based discriminatory practices present in these religious organisations and their attempts to “blackmail” the Government into permitting their right to discriminate. Coming into effect in April, this legal framework provides equal access to goods, services and facilities regardless of sexual orientation, in line with previous legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race, gender and religion. The adversarial nature of this dispute, over the adoption of children by same sex couples, was sadly predictable and brings to mind prior religious debates on the equality and role of women in the church. The Anglican apology for their involvement in the trans Atlantic slave trade was for me an admission of serious scriptural and doctrinal error. I had hoped it meant the beginning of an honest reflection on biblical interpretation and a growing understanding of the inclusive message of Jesus Christ. Whilst there is an increasing affirmation among the grass roots clergy and laity, the Anglican hierarchy seems intend on hanging itself in public. This continues to seriously undermine the relevance of the Church to the lives of everyday people.
In situations like these, it can be seen as smug to quote Scripture. Biblical texts are readily available to support each and every opposing view. The nature of one’s approach to biblical understanding and interpretation is paramount in the development and practice of rites and doctrines propagated by the church. Our sense of “sin” and “guilt” are very much conditioned by our denominational affiliations. Similarly our level of “conscience” is equally influenced by the doctrines of the church which may or may not reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. Churchianity has its own legitimacy – tradition and history.
So what is the purpose of the Church - The Great Commission?
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. my emphasis. Matt 28:19-20 NIV
To enable the fulfilment of Scripture?
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Luke 4:18-19 NIV
All week I have been drawn to the Sermon on the Mount or Plain depending on which gospel one reads, either Matthew 5:3-12 or Luke 6:20-23 and the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. These chapters provide meaning to the previously quoted texts. I am aware of how I interpret Scripture and my conscience is clear. This does not meant I place myself in an adversarial position with Christian friends and family who hold opposing opinions. We are still each other’s neighbour and I pray we continue to respect our differing viewpoints. The bottom line is the wellbeing of our children who are lesbian, gay, transgender and heterosexual and in need of families to provide the love and commitment necessary for their growth and future development.
External religious worship religion as it is expressed in outward acts that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. James 1:27 Amplified
May the Holy Spirit of God continue to provide the grace we need, as nurturers of our children.
Rev Caroline Redfearn ©blackpeoplesministries.com 2007