Sex and Sacraments

When it comes to the issue of homosexuality, this Anglican bishop makes a lot better sense than the Catholic bishop of Memphis Loose Canon mentioned yesterday. For starters, the Anglican fellow doesn't natter on about "sacramental moments." And he seems to recognize that there are some problematic aspects of gay relationships.

Here is a snatch of his discussion of civil unions and the sacraments:

[B]y declaring that lay people who enter [civil unions] should not be asked about the nature of their relationship, in the context of preparation for baptism and confirmation, as well as for the purposes of receiving Holy Communion, it has compromised pastoral discipline at the local level and pre-empted the relevant canons. In doing this, the House believes that it is adhering to the teaching in Issues in Human Sexuality. It interprets 'not wanting to exclude from the fellowship of the Church' as equivalent to there being no discipline in terms of access to the sacraments. Such an interpretation, however, flies in the face of clear biblical teaching and the unanimous practice of the Church down the ages. All are welcome, of course, but this does not mean there is no guidance and discipline for the sake of the fellowship.

The statement leans towards a 'folk' understanding of the sacraments as rites of passage rather than as an entry into states of holiness and of discipleship. Bishops have a particular responsibility for holiness and I cannot see how this aspect of the statement will promote it. It should be perfectly possible, without undue intrusion, to set out the Church's faith clearly and to guide those for whom we have pastoral care with compassion and understanding as to the future course of their discipleship.

(Via CaNN.)