Church of Ireland rejects proposal for same-sex equality measures

The Church of Ireland voted against recognizing and supporting same-sex relationships within the church.

At the church’s annual General Synod yesterday (5 May), members of the church voted down a proposal that ‘Acknowledges the injury felt by members of the Church who enter into loving, committed and legally-recognised, same-sex relationships.’

Same-sex marriage is not offered within the church, so the proposal simply asks for pastoral support for same-sex couples. Yet, the General Synod voted 176 against and 146 for. This proposal would be the same as saying those who are in adultery feel hurt and injured when rejected by the church.

Leo Kilroy from Wicklow drafted the proposal and just wants pastoral support for same-sex couples. But same sex sin cannot be supported by the church, Christ, the Bible or God. God prohibits all forms of homosexuals acts regardless of what governments decree.

He said: ‘Many of your brothers and sisters in our Church are lesbian and gay.

Unfortunately, both the act and the desires or orientations are seen as sinful according to scripture. 

Kilroy then asks the church to contradict itself -

‘LGBT people have experienced rights and legal protections… But many lesbian and gay people continue feel gravely hurt by the Church. The proposal doesn’t aim to change the church’s stance on same-sex marriage, just include formal acknowledgements of their pain with an inability to marry. Kilroy also said: ‘This motion is not asking for marriage in the Church. I understand that many of you hold the Church’s definition of marriage dearly. This motion is careful to protect Canon 31. It is simply calling for permission to develop ways to publicly and pastorally support and celebrate lesbian and gay people at important times in their lives,’ he said.

The Bible states very clearly that God sees all forms of sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage as sinful. Further the bible declare that all forms of homosexuality are not only condemned but God hands them over to their vile sin to feel the full force of that sin. God pushes them away to experience the fullness of sin and absence of grace. 

To then ask for the church to support same sex sin - is a complete contradiction of all that God has said about this sin.

Reverend Alison Calvin of Kilmore diocese also said at times she feels bullied for her beliefs. ‘It’s not fair that my deeply held convictions are portrayed as those of a narrow-minded bigot,’ she said.

But Changing Attitudes Ireland, an LGBTI equality and religious advocacy group supported the motions. They believe spiritual support for same-sex couples in light of civil unions has become ‘urgent’ within the church’s teachings. They said in a statement: ‘What God wants most of us, his children, is love – love toward our fellow human beings.’  

Unfortunately 'Changing Attitudes Ireland' have never read their Bible or they have dismissed the fact that God is holy and righteous. Fools.