C of E Bishops lift ban on Bishops in civil-partnerships; Rock ’n’ roll bishop makes charity album; Evangelicals who say being gay is OK; Scout & Guide promise
CoE Bishops lift ban on Bishops in civil-partnerships
The House of Bishops of the Church of England has effectively lifted the 2005 ban that prevented gay clergy in civil partnerships from becoming bishops. A Church Times reports the action took place during the December meeting of the Bishops but the move was done so quietly that many commentators and bloggers either missed it or misunderstood it.MB3-861
Ed Thornton reports in The Church Times:
Shortly before Christmas, Church House published a 13-point summary of business conducted by the House of Bishops when it met on 10 and 11 December. Point 7 of this, which has caused some confusion in online forums and among campaigners, said that the Bishops “considered an interim report from the group chaired by Sir Joseph Pilling on the Church of England’s approach to human sexuality”. This group was set up in January 2012, with a wider remit than the group chaired by Bishop Paterson, which was looking specifically at civil partnerships ( News, 6 January 2012).
The summary said that the Bishops did “not intend to issue a further pastoral statement on civil partnerships” until the Pilling group concluded its work later this year. It did not mention the work of Bishop Paterson’s group.
The summary, however, went on to say that the Bishops “confirmed that the requirements in the 2005 statement concerning the eligibility for ordination of those in civil partnerships whose relationships are consistent with the teaching of the Church of England apply equally in relation to the episcopate”.
This amounts to a lifting of the moratorium on the appointment of clergy in civil partnerships as bishops.
The 2005 statement on civil partnerships states: “The House of Bishops does not regard entering into civil partnership as intrinsically incompatible with holy orders, provided the person concerned is willing to give assurances to his or her bishop that the relationship is consistent with the standards for the clergy set out in Issues in Human Sexuality.”
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2013/4-january/news/uk/bishops-lift-ban-on-consecration-of-civil-partner-clerics
http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2005/07/pr5605.aspx
Rock ’n’ roll bishop makes charity album
A bishop has swapped the pulpit for the studio as he records an album of rock classics.
The Rt Rev Jonathan Meyrick, the Bishop of Lynn, plans to release the CD, with tracks including Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones, Wild Thing by the Troggs, and Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues, later this year.
The idea came after he performed on stage in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, as a guest vocalist with a local band.
Bishop Meyrick, 58, said he was not aiming for stardom but hopes the collection of 1960s hits will raise funds for Tapping House Hospice and a campaign to restore St Nicholas Chapel in King’s Lynn to its former glory.
He said: “I have always been involved in performance on an amateur basis.
“I have a broad taste in music and in the past my singing has ranged from light opera to Gilbert and Sullivan and music from the Sixties.
“I have done a lot of work with choral societies but I can tailor my voice to fit the era.
“The hospice is a key charity in my area and the restoration appeal is very important so I hope to raise a good amount of money – but I’m not looking to top the charts.”
The bishop previously appeared on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes dressed as Reg Presley and singing Wild Thing.
He performed at last year’s Festival Too in King’s Lynn with a 1960s tribute act the Yesterdays who suggested the album.
Bishop Meyrick, formerly the Dean of Exeter, is putting the finishing touches to the CD with local musicians.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-20901806
Evangelicals who say being gay is OK
Independent – Jerome Taylor writes about “Evangelicals who say being gay is OK”.
Scout & Guide promise
Guardian Leader looks at the Guides and Scouts reviewing the practice of making a promise to God.070-457
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/03/guides-scouts-pledge-religion-atheism