We would wish to make comment relating to a blog from @JustLincs (here) which is very interesting where it references the struggle over power. I think it may not be so much about power but about the conviction of the 38 Primates and where they represent. They are taking their stance from their interpretation of the Bible. If you don't agree with the Bible may I seek of your patience and ask that you please just hear me out.
The Bible was written some 2000 years ago. The letters to the various churches at that time were there to be read in real-time as they directly addressed the issues of that day. For Christians we believe that the letters can still make an impact in our lives as they can direct our behaviour towards others and how we live our lives in general. Now if we live in Africa currently we see great persecution and often poverty. Much of the Bible refers to such persecution and people can relate to this directly. It speaks to them unequivocally and in fact literally. They can read the text and see how it can apply to them even now. For those in the western world, we live in relative comfort. The letters may be interpreted differently as we live in a different circumstances.
The Bible was written some 2000 years ago. The letters to the various churches at that time were there to be read in real-time as they directly addressed the issues of that day. For Christians we believe that the letters can still make an impact in our lives as they can direct our behaviour towards others and how we live our lives in general. Now if we live in Africa currently we see great persecution and often poverty. Much of the Bible refers to such persecution and people can relate to this directly. It speaks to them unequivocally and in fact literally. They can read the text and see how it can apply to them even now. For those in the western world, we live in relative comfort. The letters may be interpreted differently as we live in a different circumstances.
We believe that God still speaks to us through these words but importantly to us directly. The @Primates16 announcement that the Anglican Communion has removed The Episcopalian Church (TEC) for 3 years so it can review its policy on same sex marriage (or as I know it as simply, marriage) has NOT changed the way that the Anglican Church will consider LGBT people. The Anglican Church is governed by the General Synod which has yet to further consider same sex marriage. Moreover, many within the Church as a whole (Diverse Church, Inclusive Church, ModernChurch) are all truly welcoming. We need to ensure that the message sent out is not that LGBT people are not wanted but they are truly valued and welcome at the Churches across this land. They may not be wanted in places such Uganda and Nigeria however, but we can always hope.
Science has made vast leaps forward in recent decades, especially with the understanding of gender and sexuality. We now understand that their is a difference and in fact gender is not binary. Where is this mentioned in the Bible. Well given that the LGBTQ community may be approximately 5% of the population, a letter to another church would only focus upon the vast majority. Moreover, LGBTQ sexuality was well understood in the Roman culture - or rather lustful relationships, those between people for mere sexual satisfaction, were known. Today we regard LGBTQ relationships as those where love is at the centre as with heterosexual relationships.
Science has made vast leaps forward in recent decades, especially with the understanding of gender and sexuality. We now understand that their is a difference and in fact gender is not binary. Where is this mentioned in the Bible. Well given that the LGBTQ community may be approximately 5% of the population, a letter to another church would only focus upon the vast majority. Moreover, LGBTQ sexuality was well understood in the Roman culture - or rather lustful relationships, those between people for mere sexual satisfaction, were known. Today we regard LGBTQ relationships as those where love is at the centre as with heterosexual relationships.