Trying to Fill a Vacancy (Unsuccessfully!)
Bad news last night. The person discerning whether she wanted to come and join us for a six month extended retreat and live in community has decided after huge amounts of thought and prayer that this isn't the right move for her at this time. She is reflective, bright and interesting. I have no doubt that she has weighed the pro's and con's. I trust her judgement. I am disappointed though. I could see her here and imagine what it might be like. However, we all have to face different forks in life's road and whichever one we choose, my personal experience is that it is honoured and amazing opportunities are offered whichever and whatever choice we make. Alongside those there are the inevitable obstacles and personal tragedies and challenges - but somehow life continues to work out.
The Church and Adoption
The news is full of the Roman Catholic Church saying that they will be unable to accommodate same-sex couples as prospective adopters at their agencies. They are urging the government to change the emphasis of the legislation they are proposing to take account of religious organisations' potential sensitivity in this area.
Whatever one's views, there are some serious issues at stake here. Does a denomination have the right to effectively hold the government to ransom with such a threat. Archbishops Rowan and John, Canterbury and York have entered the fray, adding their support to the Roman Catholic position. They seem to feel that it is important that the Church has a get-out clause in this.
The Churches do not have unequivocal stances on homosexuality. Although the Roman Catholic Church teaches and expects a strong adherence to centrally held teaching regarding sexual and ethical issues. Some people in all the Christian denominations feel very strongly that the presence of gay Christians is not an expression of the Christian life and is a travesty of the teachings of Jesus. Much of their argument stems from their interpretation of particular passages of scipture, which those of a more liberal persuasion argue are ambiguous at best, and when they are rather more explicit, are open to re-interpretation in the light of the social, psychological and genetic understandings of sexual orientation. Whatever one's position, the climate of the Church has been changed by this issue. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are being denied expression of their faith and practice of love - whilst those who believe homosexuality is wrong feel they too are being denied authenticity and credibility in 'a political-correctness gone-mad' society.
What are we doing to each other and perhaps more importantly why are we doing it?
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