Category - LGBT

December 9, 2013

Why I am not cheering the Pilling Report

In 2011, Symon Hill was on a pilgrimage of repentance for homophobia when he heard that the Church of England had launched another consultation process on sexuality. The process has led to the Piling Report, which speaks of being more welcoming while promoting policies that say the opposite. There are some good aspects to the report, but it is likely to make little difference to the lives of Christians in their own churches and communities, he suggests. It is a reminder that we cannot rely on hierarchical church processes - change will come from below, not from above.
December 7, 2013

The Pilling Report and theological diversity

A Church of England working party report on sexuality suggests that clergy be allowed to hold public services to mark same-sex partnerships. Some critics have complained that allowing too much flexibility might seem to affirm what the church still officially regards as wrong.
December 1, 2013

Think-tank proposes different approach to church sexuality row

Churches with different views in heated debates about sexuality actually share common ground and can move forward despite their differences, says a new paper from the Christian think-tank Ekklesia.
December 1, 2013

The church needs sexual healing

Ekklesia associate Savitri Hensman will be appearing on the BBC Radio 4 Sunday programme, and then on local station Radio Berkshire, on the morning of Sunday 1 December – talking about the Pilling report on sexuality in the Church of England, and hopefully getting the chance to mention her own important Ekklesia research paper, 'Church views on sexuality: recovering the middle ground'.
November 30, 2013

C of E should be more welcoming, sexuality report urges

Clergy should be free to hold services for same-sex couples, a Church of England working party has urged, while not embracing full inclusion at present.
November 25, 2013

Church views on sexuality: recovering the middle ground
November 20, 2013

Scotland’s equal marriage legislation passed by parliament in first vote

This evening the Scottish Parliament passed the first reading of the Marriage Equality Bill by 98 votes to 15, with five abstentions.
November 13, 2013

London human rights protest ahead of Commonwealth meeting

Human rights campaigners have rallied outside the Commonwealth’s London HQ ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka summit.
November 6, 2013

'Safe space' at WCC listens to pain of sexual minorities

A 'safe space' created for dialogue on human sexuality featured stories of pain, exclusion and violence at the WCC Assembly.
November 1, 2013

Activists call on WCC to acknowledge LGBT rights

The issue of equality for all people has been raised at the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly by a group of LGBT activists.