Homosexuality and the Anglican Church
analytical Essay
1604 words
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 this essay, the author
- Explains that homosexuality has been a controversial topic within the anglican tradition. the lambeth conference is an assembly of bishops.
- Explains that anglicanism was a predominately english religion, but with the aid of globalization and missionary works it is now recognized as world wide religion.
- Explains that independent, democratic governments curtailed traditional power, but confidence in central government also waned, as political leaders failed to deliver good government or were toppled by army coups. church leaders became even more important in their roles as "fathers of the people."
- Explains that north american and african cultures differ drastically in their views on homosexuality. social changes have aided in more public recognition and acceptance of homosexual people, and the fight for their equality has helped to lessen their civil disadvantage.
- Explains that homosexuality is a criminal offence in twenty-nine countries, and in 2006 stronger laws against homosexual acts were proposed in nigeria.
- Explains that within africa, the church stands for uncompromising gospel, biblical faith, and traditional christian morality.
- Opines that division looms for episcopal church. the christian century 123.15 july 2006: 12.
- Analyzes how the article discusses the episcopal church and the division created due to the election of gay bishops in america.
- Explains that the source was useful because it related strongly to their thesis, it was up to date and discussed relevant issues.
- Explains that kevin ward works in the department of theology and religious studies at the university of leeds as a senior lecturer in african studies.
- Explains that ugandan bishops have declared homosexuality to be unbiblical and inhuman.
- Analyzes how the debate over homosexuality has brought a new dimension to world-wide anglicanism.
- Analyzes how the book examines nine different churches which were in a battle over homosexuality.
- Analyzes how the article discusses south africa and the division over sexuality. the article examines the opposing viewpoints on homosexuality within the anglican communion and argues that anglicanism is very diversified.
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- Analyzes how cahill's final authority, tradition, plays a vital role in the use of all of the other authorities.
- Analyzes how cahill rejects the notion that any single authority could be the sole source for christian ethics.
- Analyzes how cahill chooses general biblical themes and modern culture as the primary authorities for her ethic in the debate over homosexuality.
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- Explains that the age of consent was later reduced to 18 but the consent age was reduced.
- Opines that the election of a gay man as its next bishop of new hampshire, was to be summary:
- Analyzes how moses sets moses' laws down in the book, and wonders why dozens of other laws were set down by moses.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that homosexuality is a controversial issue in many countries, but many are still reluctant to accept the lgbt community as equals.
- Explains that the old testaments' laws are no longer applicable to us since the arrival of jesus christ, the messiah.
- Explains the catholic church's view on homosexuals and their orientation, stating that homosexuality can be either inborn or acquired.
- Explains that catholicism teaches that homosexuals are no different from heterosexuals and must be treated with respect, compassion, sensitivity, and love.
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1110 wordsRead More