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Gene Robinson and the limits of tolerance
From the Revd John Bloomfield Sir, — There is a graciousness in Bishop Gene Robinson in agreeing not to preach during his July visit, which is not shown by his opposing conservative bishops which we see in their inappropriate and discourteous meddling in dioceses not their own. I have lived my whole Christian life, including 22 years of ordained ministry, in believing that Jesus welcomed, and ministered to all those who were marginalised and excluded by the religious leaders of his day. I find it truly depressing in these times that others seem not to have seen the warmth and compassion of his life and teaching, and his acceptance of all kinds and conditions of us, very human, men and women. As for those still quoting passages from the Bible in support of their anti-gay beliefs: if outside the religious but in the secular world, we were to uphold laws from a culture and with beliefs a world apart from our own, some 3000 years ago, it would be both pathetic and laughable. Regarding Mike Whiting’s view (Letters, 9 May) of the Churches or God’s ability to change minds: why is he so sure that the passages he mentions are the mind of God? Have we not learnt something in the intervening centuries? Have we not perhaps discovered more of the mind of God in those years, to say nothing of learning about human nature and sexuality?JOHN BLOOMFIELD The Vicarage 53 Northgate, Hunstanton Norfolk PE36 6DS From Nick Flood Sir, — Our PCC has just considered a request for a contribution towards the cost of the Lambeth Conference. Can I suggest that other PCCs do what we did, and make any contribution conditional on Gene Robinson being invited? NICK FLOOD 8 Allerton Grange Gardens Leeds LS17 6LL From Steve Vince Sir, — The irony of the stand being taken by Dr Giles Fraser (Comment, 9 May) is that, if he were a priest in the Episcopal Church taking a stand of such an order against his Church’s leadership, he would almost certainly find himself out of his parish (not to mention his home, and quite possibly his pension) before he could say Gene Robinson. STEVE VINCE 13 Selwyn Close Wolverhampton WV2 4NQ |
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