That marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

[OneHumanFamily]

The House Of Bishops Report proposes no change to ecclesiastical law or to the Church of England’s existing doctrinal position on marriage and sexual relationships. The Report also says that the Church needs to repent for homophobic attitudes. Anglicanism has always been a contested faith: Will homosexuality eventually be accepted?

www.churchofengland.org/media/3863472/gs-2055-marriage-and-same-sex-relationships-after-the-shared-conversations-report-from-the-house-of-bishops.pdf

Freshstart how rude and judgemental you are

I wrote: "Who of us hasn't committed at least one of those? Scriptural teachings instruct loving each other as a primary command, and so those who practice any of the above mentioned activities should still be loved. Because that's how Christ loves us (warts and all)."

This is not someone saying they think judging each other is the thing to do! And certainly it is not me saying I judge anyone either. You will note I didn't say "who of you", in fact, I said "who of us" which included me.

OH and I have been happy "fornicaters" for 20 years.
You suggest that we are "committing" a sin?

I also have lived with someone like you have; in fornication. Its become a societal norm and no one blinks an eye like they used to. I've done plenty of other things that violate God's word, both before believing in him, and after - despite my best efforts. Incidentally this is one of the reasons why it is logical we can't earn our own way to God but we come to him through his amazing grace.

No logic in a belief in god.

you wouldn't tell muslims to stop slaughtering meat using halal methods even though it is barbaric! You could ban the slaughter of animals using halal methods in the UK, on grounds of animal cruelty.

Gay marriage is already legal and we know from other cases that it is illegal to offer a pubic service that discriminates against people based on their sexuality. So if the church wants to continue to discriminate against gay marriage it needs to become a private members club. This should be taken up in the court for human rights.

If a priest wants to get married to someone of the same sex they should be allowed to, in any other job if your employer sacked you (or in any way discriminated against you) for getting married to a same sex partner you would be in court faster than a no win no fee lawyer can ring your number.

Its become a societal norm and no one blinks an eye like they used to.

Yes that's because we've evolved our ideas on humanity and see that it's none of our business if people don't get married. We've realised that people have the right to decide what's right for them in their personal relationships. As long as everyone is consenting then it's okay. And this is a good thing. People shouldn't bat an eye lid when people make their own choices.

I've done plenty of other things that violate God's word,

Yet you still choose to worship a jealous, wrathful genocidal maniac.

Your moral compass needs an overhaul.

What about the Ten Commandments - they do not mention homosexuality

Almost half of the 10 commandments are about remembering how marvellous God is. It reads like 'worship me all the time x4 and I'd better say something about not killing etc that other religions have already worked out anyway'

The Church of England does not represent all Christians, or all churches. I attend a denomination which welcomes same sex marriage ceremonies. My close friend is a reverend and she has conducted several same sex marriages.

that other religions have already worked out anyway'

Or human society without any religion has worked out.

I am suspect of any individuals who need a set of written rules to work out right from wrong.

Yes that's an interesting point you make boolifooli isn't it rather odd that people still insist any god will do? You'd think mentioning it 4 times out of 10 it'd be crystal clear by now!

However, although it's an interesting point, the 10 commandments I read say this:

1.	You shall have no other gods before Me.
2.	You shall not make idols.
3.	You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4.	Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5.	Honor your father and your mother.
6.	You shall not murder.
7.	You shall not commit adultery.
8.	You shall not steal.
9.	You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10.	You shall not covet.

So it looks more like 2 are about worshipping God rather than 4. The 'name in vain' you could stretch to having some respect but definitely not worship, and the sabbath command is for our sake. I suspect God knew rest would be important for our physical and mental health, seeing as he made the human body. So commands 4-10 are a recipe for not only protecting our fellow humans, but also ourselves. Sounds pretty healthy to me all ways round

Interestingly there is a train of thought that taking God's name in vain doesn't mean saying "Goddamnit" or the link: rather they think ™ means using Gods name for false prophesy. Terms such as: "God told me to tell you…I have a word from the Lord…God says that if you send in this much money, you will be blessed.” All of there as not only cringeworthy, but unbiblical, and damaging (who hasn't heard of people trying to hang onto false hopes of prosperity gospels or false cures for illness?), and this is what they say is taking God's name in vain. Another protection for each other then!

I am a Christian, an active member of my church. I don't recognise myself, or my god in some of the descriptions of Christianity up thread!

I'm very disappointed about the bishop's ruling, as are most of the people I know.

This is the church's problem:
There is more to the question than whether people are bigoted or not, and whether or not homosexuality is a sin. The Anglican Church is part of a communion with churches around the world which are more numerous and vigorous than the Church of England. They are still opposed to homosexuality. To support gay marriage, as an institution, would break it apart.
Also, vicars make promises when they are ordained. Marrying a same sex partner against the authority of their bishop breaks those promises.

It's a big problem for me, and it isn't going to be quickly resolved, but it's a period of transition. If all the people like me leave the church in fury at this decision, then the church will never come around.
Only thirty years ago, homosexuality was widely unacceptable outside of show business.
Women couldn't be vicars.
It took many decades to accept women priests (I think they are the majority now).
Changing the position of a two thousand year old institution is like trying to stop a cruise ship on a ten pence piece. It takes a lot of work, no matter how willing people are.

Why does god need worship?

A fragile ego?

I've been a Christian all my life, and I'm having a serious crisis of faith for many reasons, this being one of them. Who are we to judge? Who are we to tell people in love they cannot marry? How dare the church condemn people for falling in love. I went to my friend's wedding just after it became legal for gay couples to marry instead of a civil partnership and it was beautiful. Why shouldn't people in love commit to each other? It makes me very sad, and angry that people think they have the right to condemn love, when in actual fact, all the problems in the world are caused by intolerance and lack of love.

SaorAlbaGuBrath Christianity - and the other Abrahamic faiths are misogynistic, women hating patriarchal structures.
Western society has been built on the back of christianity- which is why we have so much gender dissociation.

I despise the church, I have little respect for people who choose to worship a murderous god.

Well thanks for that, it's the church that has lost its way imo. I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, but I also believe that men have twisted it to suit their own agendas.

The church?

And the scriptures? I base my view of god on the bible. He sounds a despicable infantile god. Why would you choose to worship him? If he was a real life person I wouldn't want to spend any time with him.

A Catholic priest once told me 'wherever there's love there's God'. I'm an atheist but he was one of my favourite people ever!

Absolutely saoralba.

I'm staying to change it from within, because it hasn't become a 'hot topic' in our congregation. If we found ourselves in the position of being expected to discriminate in some way, I couldn't stay. Many, many christian churches are actively campaigning for LGBTQ inclusion. I hope you find a path that works.

Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, it's the bedrock of family life and the best institution for raising children. It is not fair on children to be raised without a father and mother, whether this is though homosexual relationships or marriage breakdown. There is no reason the church should be pressured into changing its teaching on this.
Christianity teaches that we are all sinners, but that we should treat each other with kindness and understanding.
Therefore it is right that the church welcomes everyone regardless of who they are, but it's also right that the church maintains its value system.

the best institution for raising children

Crap.

60% of children in the UK are born outside of marriage- I can't see that as being detrimental.
Look at Norway- 80% of children are born to unmarried parents- in one of the most civilised nations on Earth. I don't see society falling apart as a result.

Christianity teaches that we are all sinners, you may like to wear that hair shirt but I don't.

I am not a "sinner". I am a human being.

Interesting, you've never done anything wrong...how has it been for you?

user- I am not a "sinner". I am human.

But at least I have one up on your god- I have never murdered anyone.

Worshiping some bloke who ( by your "holy " book) who has killed over two million people? I wouldn't want to even have coffee with him. Yet you worship him?

Your "Satan" - again by your holy book has killed only 10 people.

You have a very simplistic view of theology. If you try reading some of the New Testament you may get a better understanding of grace and the new convenant with god through Jesus Christ.

And the scriptures? I base my view of god on the bible. He sounds a despicable infantile god. Why would you choose to worship him? If he was a real life person I wouldn't want to spend any time with him

I'd rather not enter into debate with someone only interested in being as offensive as possible about my beliefs if it's all the same to you thanks.

picklemepopcorn thank you, I do too.

You have a very simplistic view of theology.

And you seem to ignore the basics and cherry pick the fluffy parts.

You seem to forget that the bible is clear: the wages of sin is death.

God is the author of life, and determine when our time is to die. We don't always understand that. In many ways our relationship to God is that of a parent to a child. The child doesn't understand why it can't eat sweets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the adult does, and prohibits it. When we don't understand God's timing we trust him because he made us after all!

The wages of sin being death means there are accounts in the bible where people came to a premature death because they ignored warnings about turning from their wickedness. That is not to say all premature death means the person ignored warnings. That would be the worst possible misinterpretation out there. God holds the keys to life and death and sometimes brings the death forward as a judgement, but not always. He's in charge and he has his reasons, he is the ultimate judge over all, and it's his job, not ours.

As I have said before, God gave fair warnings over a long time period. He really wanted people to turn back to him. His mercy and love compels him to offer second chances, as well as third, fourth, fifth....