The Guardian: Priests in civil partnership blessing were reckless, says bishop

(Ed: Note, contrary to this report, REFORM did not say, "the Archbishop of Canterbury now faced a stark choice between sodomy and scripture." That line unfortunately comes from David Virtue's website here: UK: REFORM Blasts Gay Clergy Wedding. Choice is Clear, Scripture or Sodomy. The actual REFORM statement can be read here.)

Two gay priests who exchanged rings and vows in a wedding-style ceremony were reckless and self-indulgent, the Bishop of London said last night.

The Right Rev Richard Chartres made the comments during a sermon at evening prayer, while leading a conference of some of his diocesan clergy in Swanick, Derbyshire. It was the first time he has spoken about the service held at St Bartholomew the Great, in the City of London where the Rev Peter Cowell and his partner, the Rev Dr David Lord, tied the knot last month.

Neither could have predicted the hostility they would arouse when news of the service emerged. Within 48 hours of details being published about their service, Chartres launched an investigation into the occasion, the rector who "married" them faced calls for his resignation, and Lord returned his licence, preventing him from performing any clerical duties.

The controversy has reignited the debate over the role of gay clergy in the Anglican communion and widened the gulf between liberals and conservatives. Read more

No comments will be posted without a full name and location, see the policy.