London church holds one-day conference on same-sex marriage
An community church in London has held a “successful” one-day conference on the possible affirmation of same-sex marriage.
The conference took place last Saturday at the St John the Evangelist church in Waterloo. It featured talks from various academics, who discussed the history of marriage, as well as the church.
Biblical passages were quoted in support of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.
The vicar of St John’s, Canon Giles Goddard, said this week that “these questions aren’t going to go away”, and that it was important to show that there is theology behind arguments in favour of it.
“We wanted to show that we are taking the concerns of people seriously, but also show there is a theological basis for moving. We are not betraying marriage, but actually strengthening it.”
Over a hundred attended the conference, including Reverend Andrew Foreshew-Cain, who was the second member of the Church of England clergy to marry his same-sex partner in June.
Father Foreshew-Cain said he had lost respect for “all bishops” who continue to publicly oppose same-sex marriage.
Also speaking was the Bishop of Buckingham, Dr Alan Wilson, who slammed the hypocrisy of some gay bishops who criticised homosexuality.
The event was hailed as a success by organisers.
Dr Wilson was in the news recently after his book came out, in which he attacked the “duplicity and hypocrisy” of many for turning a blind eye to their gay colleagues while opposing gay rights.
