To the Editor, Derby Evening Telegraph

From the Bishop of Derby and the Bishop of Repton

Sir,

The Sexuality Debate

It is regrettable that the speed of communications left us open to the charge that we had “no comment” on a major issue which the church is facing. In the past a considered view would be welcomed but now an instant soundbite seems to suffice! So it is not surprising that we have received a flow of letters wrongly believing we refused to co-operate with the Telegraph. Such a false impression is most regrettable. One letter summed up the position, “Bishop…Silence for you is not an option.” We agree.

For the past two decades the Church of England has constantly repeated its conviction that God's will for the human race is that faithful marriage should be the setting for full and loving sexual relationships. As Bishops, this is what we teach and encourage. Thus, the way of life of those in sexually active gay and lesbian relationships is seen as falling short of God’s purpose in creation. So, we all belong together, all of humanity, straight and gay, falling short of God’s plan in some areas of our lives.

In a society obsessed with sex it is tragic that loving relationships, friendships, companionship and tenderness can be unfairly smeared with sexual innuendo, giving rise to much unhappiness. Gay and lesbian people should be made to feel welcome in church and be able to take part fully in its worship and work. The Church should do nothing that risks seeming to countenance or promote homophobia.

Clergy have particular responsibilities in their duty to be examples of Christian living to the people they serve. The expectation is that married clergy - male and female - will live in faithfulness with their spouse. Single clergy, whatever their sexual orientation, are to live chaste, celibate lives, recognising this may well be costly.

Throughout the debate we are keen to honour the Church of England’s belief in the importance of the Bible when we think about morals and lifestyle. The Old and New Testaments alike are inspired, written records of human encounters with God. Because they are recorded by human beings, their understanding is subject to times and cultures. In our interpretation of this inherited truth, we listen to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit in each generation.

The proposed appointment of the new Bishop of Reading has caused much confusion and distress – for some by the appointment, some by the reactions of others. We had been looking forward to the publication of a further major study guide on this aspect of sexuality in the autumn. Now the suddenness of this appointment has undermined the hope of a courteous and creative dialogue about a complex issue. We regret that this deeply divisive issue has so destructively focussed on one priest, despite his having publicly declared his commitment and loyalty to the teaching of the Church of England.

As bishops we have a particular responsibility to hold the Church in harmony - that is not easy. But, despite all the current disagreement and hurt being voiced and felt, we want to encourage people in their faith. Complex issues – and there are many of them in today’s world – do not have easy solutions, but our conviction is that God accompanies us in our searching.

Signed:

+Jonathan Derby
+David Repton