The Episcopal Church (TEC) is removing the terms husband, wife, and procreation from its marriage service in favor of creating a more modern, LGBT compliant service. The terms will be replaced with gender-neutral pronouns such as two people or spouse.
The task force proposed several resolutions regarding same-sex marriage and requested commentary from other Church leaders about the matter. The question posed to other churches; “From your perspective and specific setting, what has been the impact of the Episcopal Church’s authorization and use of liturgical rites for same-sex marriage and the blessing of the same-sex unions on “the-Church?”
Dating as far back as 1976, the Episcopal Church has engulfed itself in controversy surrounding its goal of becoming a radically inclusive church, regardless of Biblical doctrine. “In 2003, the first openly gay bishop was consecrated; in 2009, General Convention resolved that God’s call is open to all; in 2012, a provisional rite of blessing for same-gender relationships was authorized, and discrimination against transgender persons in the ordination process was officially prohibited; and in 2015, the canons of the church were changed to make the rite of marriage available to all people, regardless of gender.”
In response to the aforementioned question, William Nye, the Church of England’s Secretary General, criticized the US branch of the Episcopal Church for its resolutions regarding the matter.
William Nye expressed his distress with the US wing, and stated that “Whilst I have made some overall observations in response to your specific question, the way in which TEC resolves these questions of implementation will have implications in terms of relationship as churches.”
In addition, Mr. Nye stated that; “Despite the careful wording of the preface to the Celebration and Blessing of a marriage 2, in which the “gift of children” is cited as one of God’s purposes for the union of two people “when it is God’s will”, it remains that the purposes of a marriage as understood through the ages have been substantially altered in this new rite.”
The removal of such terms like ‘procreation’ has set Mr. Nye at odds with the US branch, he continues; “in the new rite, the procreative function of sexual intercourse, and the role of procreation as a central purpose of marriage, has been erased.”
The US branch of the TEC has sparked outrage from churchgoers and other churches in an attempt to incorporate radically inclusive practices into their ranks. While God ultimately creates all children, the Bible is clear;
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
While Jesus did teach that every single human being is welcome to the congregation, Jesus also taught the rebuking of sin, and as per the scripture referenced, men who are effeminate, (of a man) having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman, must be changed in Spirit through the redemption solely available by belief in Jesus Christ and repentance.
The TEC also contradicts scripture in regards to marriage, as marriage is used both symbolically and literally throughout scripture, according to the Bible;
Matthew 19:1-12
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
The scripture mentioned above also clearly defines what God created on Earth; a male and a female. The TEC’s attempts to alter scripture at this level, as per Mr. Nye, the move would ‘irrevocably redefine marriage,’ suggesting that the new liturgy ‘constitute a clear divergence from the understanding of marriage held throughout the history of the Christian Church.’
Works Cited
ROD ARDEHALI. “Church of England is split over US plan to remove 'husband' and 'wife' from marriage service to make it more gay-friendly.” The Daily Mail. . (2018): . .
Olivia Rudgard. “Church of England split over US plan to remove 'husband and wife' from marriage service.” The Telegraph . . (2018): . .
The Episcopal Church. “LGBT in the Church.” The Episcopal Church. . (N/A): . .
TASK FORCE ON THE STUDY OF MARRIAGE
Letter of Responses Regarding the Task Force and Resolutions
As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son returns. Be not deceived…whatsoever a man soweth, so shall he reap. It’s enormously frustrating to me that people follow this nonsense. Read your Bible…scripture is extremely clear on this issue…it includes fornication…self-control…and on and on. I’ve never understood why anyone would go to a church (and I use the word loosely in this instance) that doesn’t teach scripture.
I know these are the end-times. But i am scared for those who give in to the worldly views. They will not go to Heaven. Praying for those who don’t believe in God.
There’s no quicker road to irrelevance than compromising the truth of the word of God.
Boy, howdy. I totally don’t understand why people attend a church that doesn’t teach the Bible…it’s more of a “religious social event.”
Satan is “belly laughing” over the gutless Christians who would rather play nice with evil rather than making evil FEAR Good.
Our understanding of marriage is obviously flawed. We all know that God instituted marriage between a man and a woman, but we miss that it was recorded for our admonition and learning. Adam and Eve were real, but they were also an analogy of God’s Plan for His Creation. Just as Eve was taken out of the side of Adam, God planned to pull a Bride for Himself out of the ‘side of humanity’. The entire reason for Creation was God’s desire for a ‘help’ MEET (or suitable) for HIM. Angels were not gonna do it, and Man made from dust was not going to do it either. An automaton was not what God desired. Just like we wish to be loved, He wants to be loved. We were created in His image! He prepared a Body for Himself through the Family He set aside for that purpose, and through them (the Jews) Christ was born. His life was lived for us, He died as a propitiation for our sins, and He was raised for us so that the Holy Spirit could come. The Holy Spirit came to JOIN with us, making us ONE with Him, (as He prayed in John 17). We are joined with Him by being born-again, made partakers of the Holy Ghost, so that we might be ‘conformed to His image’, (a help MEET for God). The Holy Spirit is the earnest of the purchased possession (that is you and me, if you believe Him). Soon, He will come to retrieve us and to give us new bodies, so that we can be with Him through eternity.
When you see His Plan as illustrated in marriage, you can begin to understand why we cannot change it without profaning the Story it is meant to tell. Marriage is all about the union of Christ and His Bride. Further, the institution of marriage “’til death do us part” affords each of us the opportunity to grow in grace and to learn what love really means in practical terms. God does not forsake His Beloved. He bears with us with great long-suffering. We are to do the same for the one we marry, and as we do, we begin to understand the great price Love is willing to pay that we might be saved.
Pamela,
I read your statement. It would appear that you are saying that the institution of marriage, no matter the gender of those joining together will never be forsaken?
If you are justifying gay marriage then I would firmly rebuke the thought and intention of the colorful way you penned the statement.
I would also encourage you to get a reliable view of the reason for God’s Creation.
If I am misunderstanding and you do support only a man and a woman and the process of procreation then a simple clarification and affirmation of faith are required.
Thanks for being open and gracious in response.
LWToday
Amen