Churches ‘need gay marriage safeguards’, says Eric Pickles; Churches ‘need gay marriage safeguards’, says Eric Pickles; A Christian ethos strengthens our nation- Pickles; Changes to women bishops proposal; 600000 people sign petition opposing gay marriage;
Churches ‘need gay marriage safeguards’, says Eric Pickles
Telegraph – Church leaders have “legitimate” concerns about European judges forcing them to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies under government proposals, Cabinet minister Eric Pickles will say.
Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, said that churches must have clear legal protections to ensure that they cannot be forced by the European Court of Human Rights to marry homosexual couples.
Mr Pickles made the comments in a Daily Telegraph article in which he offers strong support for the role of Christianity in public life, and attacks the “aggressive secularism” he says is found in parts of the public sector.
The Coalition has proposed a change in the law to allow homosexual couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals.
The proposals have met opposition from many Conservative MPs and leaders of the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church.
Ministers have said that churches and other faith organisations will be allowed to go on refusing to conduct same-sex marriages, meaning homosexual couples will be limited to civil marriages.
The Church of England has said it is concerned that any exemption for churches could be subject to legal challenges.
“There are legitimate fears of European Court of Human Rights challenges and churches being forced down the line to conduct such ceremonies against their wishes,” Mr Pickles said. “These concerns need to be explicitly addressed in any legislative reform to provide safeguards against such coercion.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9539798/Churches-need-gay-marriage-safeguards-says-Eric-Pickles.html
A Christian ethos strengthens our nation
Eric Pickles writing in The Daily Telegraph – Religion shaped the modern British state, and this Government is proud to ‘do God’
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9538561/A-Christian-ethos-strengthens-our-nation.html
Changes to women bishops proposal
The Rev. Janet Appleby has drafted an amendment that has received overwhelming support in the House of Bishops regarding the issue of women bishops in the Church of England. The BBC reports that “Senior Anglican bishops have significantly watered down proposed concessions to those in the Church of England who are against women bishops. It is hoped the proposals – to consider the views of individuals and lobby groups – will allow for agreement ahead of a planned vote in November. Meanwhile, a BBC poll suggests nearly 80% of people support women bishops. But one in five would have a less favourable view of the Church if women were not allowed to become bishops.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19582874
Church Times report –
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/14-september/news/uk/bishops-look-to-woman-priest-to-salvage-women-bishops-legislation
Archbishop William’s comments and Bishops’ statement at
http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2012/9/13/ACNS5181
Thinking Anglicans – Wed 12th September
http://www.thinkinganglicans.org.uk
600000 people sign petition opposing gay marriage
A petition opposing the Governments plans to change the definition of marriage has reached 600000 signatures
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/600000.people.sign.petition.opposing.gay.marriage/30648.htm