Equal marriage is now taking effect in England, Wales, Scotland and many other parts of the world. Some Christians welcome this, others are unsure or opposed. Against this background, theological reflection on sexuality and gender identity is particularly important.
Equal marriage is now taking effect in England, Wales, Scotland and many other parts of the world. Some Christians welcome this, others are unsure or opposed. Against this background, theological reflection on sexuality and gender identity is particularly important.
Last year, I felt surprised and honoured to be invited to guest-edit the April 2014 issue of Modern Believing, the journal of Modern Church, focusing on same-sex partnerships and marriage. This is now in print and available online, published by Liverpool University Press.
It contains articles by distinguished contributors from the UK and beyond: Eugene F Rogers, Jr, David G Myers, Charlotte Methuen and Christina Beardsley, as well as the late Kenneth Ingram, writing over seventy years ago. In the editorial introduction, I express the hope “that the articles will stimulate thought and discussion even among readers who do not agree with all the conclusions.”
Increasingly over the past century, careful consideration of the Bible, tradition, reason and experience has led many Christians to believe that loving, committed self-giving partnerships should be celebrated. It is time for churches to acknowledge this more widely and consider whether the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex members is truly in line with gospel values.
To find out more about the April 2014 issue of Modern Believing, including a launch on 13 May at 6pm in central London, please see http://www.modernchurch.org.uk/events/MB2014_2launch.html.
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© Savitri Hensman is a widely published Christian commentator on politics, welfare, religion and more. An Ekklesia associate, she works in the equalities and care sector.