WASHINGTON — The presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopalian “Church” is refusing to recant the apostate denomination’s support for “gay marriage” despite the sanctions placed on its fellowship with the Anglican Communion.
“They heard from me directly that that’s not something that we’re considering,” Michael Curry told reporters. “They basically understand we made our decision, and this is who we are, and we’re committed to being a house of prayer for all.”
He made similar remarks to the Episcopal News Service.
“Our commitment to be an inclusive church is not based on a social theory or capitulation to the ways of the culture, but on our belief that the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross are a sign of the very love of God reaching out to us all,” Curry said.
“While I understand that many disagree with us, our decision regarding marriage is based on the belief that the words of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians are true for the church today: All who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Christ,” he stated.
Jim Naughton, former canon for the Archdiocese of Washington, likewise refused denominational repentance and asserted that homosexuality doesn’t violate the Law of God.
“We can accept these actions with grace and humility, but the Episcopal Church is not going back,” he told the Religion News Service. “We can’t repent what is not sin.”
In 2003, Episcopalians appointed their first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, and last year, the group voted to allow weddings between those of the same gender in their houses of worship, as well as to eliminate the terms “husband and wife” from the denominational rules on marriage. The developments caused friction within the fellowship, which is historically descended from the missional Church of England.
As previously reported, as a result, for the next three years, Episcopalians will be banned from making policy decisions in the 85-million member Anglican Communion as a task force will be formed to work to restore the relationship.
“Recent developments in the Episcopal Church with respect to a change in their Canon on marriage represent a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our Provinces on the doctrine of marriage,” Anglican leaders part of “Primates 2016” wrote in a statement. “All of us acknowledge that these developments have caused further deep pain throughout our Communion.”
“It is our unanimous desire to walk together,” they outlined. “However, given the seriousness of these matters, we formally acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a period of three years the Episcopal Church no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.”
Become a Christian News Network Supporter...
Dear Reader, has ChristianNews.net been of benefit and a blessing to you? For many years now, the Lord has seen fit to use this small news outlet as a strong influential resource in keeping Christians informed on current events from a Biblical worldview. With much compromise and many falsehoods in modern-day Christianity, we strive to bring you the news by keeping Christ and His word in focus. If you have benefited from our news coverage, please prayerfully consider becoming a Christian News supporter by clicking here to make a one-time or monthly donation to help keep the truth of God's word widely and freely published and distributed. May Christ continue to be exalted through this work!
