In recent years the topic of homosexuality has been a controversial and frequently discussed topic within the Anglican tradition. The Lambeth conference is an assembly of bishops of the Anglican Communion and is convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The conference allows for a collaborative and consultation function which allows for relevant issues to be discussed within the communion(wiki). The argument over homosexuality was predominately discussed as communion wide issue at the 1998 Lambeth conference(gays and the future of Ang), and it was concluded that homosexual practice was " incompatible with scripture." Whether locally or globally debates typically arise around the issue of whether homosexuality should be allowed within the Church. These disagreements have torn Anglicans and created differing beliefs regarding the ordination of gay clergy and same sex marriages. The contrasting views over homosexuality can clearly be seen on a global scale. Anglicans in North America tend to be more liberal and accepting of homosexuality, while those in Africa tend to have a more conservative stance and reject the idea of homosexuality as a whole, this is due to historical and cultural differences. In this essay the countries I will be primarily focusing on in North America are Canada and the United Sates, and for Africa I will be focusing on the countries of Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
Anglicanism was seen as a predominately English religion, but with the aid of globalization and missionary works Anglicanism is now recognized as a world wide religion. The way Anglicanism came to be established within North America and Africa has helped to shape each regions views on homosexuality. Christianity was a religion that grew along wi...
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...n. A History of Global Anglicanism. New York: Cambridge, 2006.
The author Kevin Ward works in the department of theology and religious studies at the University of Leeds as a senior lecturer in African Studies. The book gives a global historical perspective of Anglicanism, which displays that Anglicanism is diversified and not just an “English” religion. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific geographic location, in which the author discusses how Anglicanism was established in various countries. The book also includes maps of Anglican Communions from around the world. The book was slightly useful because it discussed the two locations I am focusing on. Although it was based on a historical context it discussed homosexuality as an issue within Anglicanism, and gave a contemporary perspective of how Anglicans in differing countries view homosexuality.
In the debate over homosexuality, Christian ethicists have many authorities to draw from. From the mixture of biblical sources, traditional authorities, empirical and descriptive accounts, and cultural norms, Cahill chooses general biblical themes and modern culture as the primary authorities for her ethic. This departure from traditional Roman Catholic teaching implies some flaw in the connection between the Holy Spirit, the church, and common believers. Cahill’s decision is her method of fixing this disconnect and reuniting Christ’s message with all believers.
Craig, William L. "A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality." Reasonable Faith. Reasonable Faith Translations, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2014.
No doubt deviant sex is almost as old as the race. There are few innovations in moral weakness. What is new is the homosexual ideology which has made devastating inroads into the Church from the ambient culture. One is made to believe that recalling the Church's teaching is an uncharitable act and that the Christian thing to do is to act as if sodomy were as normal as marital sex. Of course it is scarcely a defense of homosexuality to point out that many people commit sexual sins. The tu quoque here is singularly inappropriate. We began with the observation that we are all sinners. The question is, what next?
First of all, the laws of the church where some of the most modern of its time even in prior years. The subject of homosexuality in the Episcopal Church began in the early 1970’s and took center stage by 1976. The General Convention speakers of the Episcopal Church declare...
Christian leaders have often written about homosexuality in a negative manner. Throughout the majority of Christian history most theologians and dominations have viewed homosexual behavior as sinful and immoral especially in African-American churches. Certain orthodox interpretations of Christian morality have led the overwhelming majority of African-Americans who attend church to consider homosexuality a sin and thus same-sex marriages as wrong. Black liberation theology, especially in the context of the black political church, has led a minority of African-Americans to be inclusive of homosexuals and to permit their churches to serve as a political resource for those receptive to lesbian and gay rights (Shaw). However, in the past century some African-American Christian religious groups and churches have espoused a wide variety of beliefs and practices towards homosexuals, including the establishment of some 'open and accepting' congregations that actively support queer members. The Abyssinian Baptist church is one of these institutions. By comparing the preaching’s of early 20th century pastor Adam Clayton Powell Jr, to present day pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, there is strong evidence to show the evolution of churches position on homosexuality in the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
McManners, John. "The Oxford History of Christianity." The Oxford History of Christianity. New York: New York Oxford Press, 2002. 28.
The topic of homosexuality has stirred up an abundant amount of social controversy throughout history. Within the Catholic Church, it is hard to say how this issue should be dealt with. Many believe that reforms within the Church will become necessary, however the current pope, Pope Francis, does not believe this to be so. This has stirred up a debate among members of the Church. Traditionally, homosexuality in itself is viewed within the Catholic Church as morally evil and it has never been accepted. Pastoral counseling has been offered to allow members of the Church who identify themselves as homosexual to assist them to remain good members of the Church. A reflection on the Church’s history and influences in terms of the development of prejudices against homosexuality may be necessary in order to determine the real root of the issue. Some individuals believe that a change in doctrine is necessary in order to fix the problems regarding homosexuality within the Church, while others stand by Pope Francis and believe that progress can be made without having to undergo such a drastic change. As gay rights continue to become a more apparent issue in today’s global society, the Catholic Church does not need to consider a change in doctrine, however the members if the Church do need to consider following the suggestions of Pope Francis by becoming more open to and tolerant of the idea of homosexuals within the Catholic community.
What could be more controversial right now than the issue of homosexuality amongst the clergy? This topic has engrossed the media as well as the discussions around the world. Important figures around the globe, both political and spiritual leaders, have spoken both for and against the practice. Recent scandals have not helped the situation, even though homosexuality has been a force in the clergy since the early days of Christianity. One thing is for sure, in this uncertain time: the lines in the sand have been drawn and the battle for the rights of homosexual clergymen has begun.
...nt of Anglicanism that is still printed in most editions of the prayer book that was approved by Parliament in 1571 called the Thirty-nine Articles. They are not a complete system of doctrine but there are clear differences from Roman Catholicism and Anabaptism which indicates an agreement with Reformed and Lutheran positions. The queen added in a statement in Article 20 that “The Church hath power to decree Rites and Ceremonies.” (Shepherd Web) The settlement of Elizabeth still remains the foundation of Anglicanism. Anglicanism has never had a dominant theologian. Theology for Anglicans tend to be biblical, apologetic, and pastoral rather than confessional or opinionated. (Anglicanism Web) Anglicanism is bonded by the liturgy that is common, contained in various recessions of The Book of Common Prayer. Prayer book is prescribed in all Anglican churches.
Even up until now, the controversial issue of homosexuality is still apparent and widely discussed in many countries all over the world. Although many people are becoming more open minded and less skeptical about homosexuality, many more are still reluctant to accept the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) communities as equals. Whilst many may argue that their religion absolutely forbids same sex marriages, thus, rejecting the idea of homosexual relationship, many of them feels it is their right to make the gays and lesbians straight again. For instance, in South Africa, many males practice corrective rape. It is a form of hate crime towards lesbians in order to ‘cure’ them of their homosexuality in order to change them into heterosexuals (Strudwick, 2014). This proves how sick and twisted the minds of homophobes are. As a Catholic myself, even though I was taught that same sex relationship is wrong and not natural, I do not condemn homosexuals or look down on them. In fact, I even have friends that are gay or bisexual. It is good that more countries have now implemented new laws to protect the LGBT community. This ensures the lower crime rate and discrimination of the LGBTs. Despite the fact that a few European countries and several others have legalized same sex marriages, there are still rejection and objection from some parties particularly from the Roman Catholic Church (Bingham, 2005). Why does the Church have such strong objections? Through my research, I will discuss on the views and teachings of the Catholic Church on homosexuality and same sex marriage.
"[I]t seems appropriate to understand sexual orientation (heterosexual or homosexual) as a deep-seated dimension of one's personality and to recognize its relative stability in a person. Generally, homosexual orientation is experienced as a given, not as something freely chosen. By itself, therefore, a homosexual orientation cannot be considered sinful, for morality presumes the freedom to choose. The teachings of the Church make it clear that the fundamental human rights of homosexual persons must be defended and that all of us must strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, oppression, or violence against them"(Pastoral).
In this essay, I will explain how religion is sometimes used to mobilize against LGBT people, how some people’s religious and personal doctrines conflict regarding LGBT issues, and how religious belief and community can be a positive force for the LGBT community.
Homosexuality as a Sin The topic of homosexuality in religion has many sides. There are those who believe that it is a sin in God’s eyes and according to the Bible, and there are those who believe that the God and the Bible are not specific to homosexuals. It is a tough debate based on whether you are a religious person, how you were raised, and where your morals and ethics stand. You cannot truly believe one way without taking into account the other side and having valid proof to back it up. Those who believe that homosexuality is wrong do so by quoting certain phrases from the Bible.
“All men are created equal, No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words,” Harvey Milk. A homosexual, as defined by the dictionary, is someone of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex. Homosexuality is ethical, and I will provide rational arguments for, and irrational arguments against the topic. A few objections are as follows: It is forbidden in the Bible and frowned upon by God; It is unnatural; Men and women are needed to reproduce; There are no known examples in nature; and the most common argument that concerns homosexuality is whether it is a choice or human biology.
9. The Reformed Episcopal Church: What Is It? Philadelphia, PA: Reformed Episcopal Publication Society, 1950. Print.