Monday, December 19, 2005
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Today saw the first civil partnership ceremonies in the UK being conducted in Belfast [BBC]. Only an eegit wouldn't have foreseen that it would be a controversial affair. While the first couple (two women) were enjoying their hard-won civil partnership ceremony inside Belfast's City Hall, hardline conservative "Free" Presbyterians were chanting, shouting, hurling abuse and generally doing everything but show the Christian love that they tout so much. (This denomination is anything but free... but that discussion is for a different entry.)
"But, Mark, the Bible says that homosexuality is wrong," they say. I agree. It's in black and white, and no one can argue. But it also says that we shouldn't judge (or something with that sentiment). Yes, we can rebuke those of our brothers and sisters who share the same faith and accept the same moral obligations we do, but God alone is judge.
Do I approve of homosexuality? No, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't love homosexuals. They are created in the "image of God", just as I am; they are flawed, just as I am. Do I approve of homosexual weddings? I don't believe the question is valid. A wedding is, by its proper definition, the union of one man to one woman under God that is consummated in the act of sexual intercourse when the two individuals become "one flesh". Paul calls this a "mystery". Homosexual couples can never have their union blessed by God, nor can they consummate anything because they cannot have sexual intercourse. Hence, the notion of a homosexual wedding is invalid.
Now then, what about a civil partnership? I see no problem with it (at the moment). It is simply a business contract between two consenting adults that is recognised by UK legislation. It is nothing more (and nothing less). The UK government has an obligation to, within reason, treat all UK citizens as equals. This helps them achieve that.
When talking with a couple of people about this issue they have said that we live in a Christian country and people should respect that it is Wrong (in a moral sense). Well, let's say I went to holiday in Qatar or Iran (both Moslem countries). Should I face Mecca daily and pray to Allah? No. I believe it is unethical and, yes, unchristian (if that's a word) to force someone to adhere to someone else's set of beliefs. This is what the hardline, conservative "Free" Presbyterians miss...
Thank God that the mainstream Presbyterian Church in Ireland are taking the ethical route. Provided that the civil partnerships are simply business contracts under UK law, I have no problem. Although I do believe that they should not be permitted to occur inside sacred buildings (i.e. church buildings, mosques, synagogues, etc.). The government would be dangerously overstepping an invisible line if that were to occur. It would get even more dangerous for the government if they should threaten men and women with prison should they refuse to conduct such a civil partnership.
Yes, we are in desperate times and it seems that the world is getting darker by the day. But I have faith that God is in control; that He is just; and that He will protect His flock.
"But, Mark, the Bible says that homosexuality is wrong," they say. I agree. It's in black and white, and no one can argue. But it also says that we shouldn't judge (or something with that sentiment). Yes, we can rebuke those of our brothers and sisters who share the same faith and accept the same moral obligations we do, but God alone is judge.
Do I approve of homosexuality? No, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't love homosexuals. They are created in the "image of God", just as I am; they are flawed, just as I am. Do I approve of homosexual weddings? I don't believe the question is valid. A wedding is, by its proper definition, the union of one man to one woman under God that is consummated in the act of sexual intercourse when the two individuals become "one flesh". Paul calls this a "mystery". Homosexual couples can never have their union blessed by God, nor can they consummate anything because they cannot have sexual intercourse. Hence, the notion of a homosexual wedding is invalid.
Now then, what about a civil partnership? I see no problem with it (at the moment). It is simply a business contract between two consenting adults that is recognised by UK legislation. It is nothing more (and nothing less). The UK government has an obligation to, within reason, treat all UK citizens as equals. This helps them achieve that.
When talking with a couple of people about this issue they have said that we live in a Christian country and people should respect that it is Wrong (in a moral sense). Well, let's say I went to holiday in Qatar or Iran (both Moslem countries). Should I face Mecca daily and pray to Allah? No. I believe it is unethical and, yes, unchristian (if that's a word) to force someone to adhere to someone else's set of beliefs. This is what the hardline, conservative "Free" Presbyterians miss...
Thank God that the mainstream Presbyterian Church in Ireland are taking the ethical route. Provided that the civil partnerships are simply business contracts under UK law, I have no problem. Although I do believe that they should not be permitted to occur inside sacred buildings (i.e. church buildings, mosques, synagogues, etc.). The government would be dangerously overstepping an invisible line if that were to occur. It would get even more dangerous for the government if they should threaten men and women with prison should they refuse to conduct such a civil partnership.
Yes, we are in desperate times and it seems that the world is getting darker by the day. But I have faith that God is in control; that He is just; and that He will protect His flock.
Comments:
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I wonder whether you have any idea how hurtful it is to have someone's civil partnership described as a "business contract" between two people? I do appreciate your compassion in this post - it's refreshing and heartwarming (although I disagree with you on the marriage point) - but I find it really hurtful to see someone describe a deep, loving, compassionate, caring, permanent bond between two people described as a business contract just because they happen to be of the same sex.
Thanks for your comment. :)
I'm sorry, I don't think I explained myself fully enough - it was late last night. I wasn't talking about a relationship in my entry; rather, I was simply talking about how I feel about the idea of a civil partnership. Whether a heterosexual couple are married in a church or a homosexual couple are in a civil partnership, in the eyes of UK law it is simply a contract. One that benefits the interests of both members of the couple. One that grants both heterosexual and homosexual couples equal rights under UK law. Which, I believe, is only fair, ethical and just.
A relationship is many things to many people. It is an incredibly personal thing and not one that I would dare to comment on (other than discussing my own relationship, which I tend to keep private); it is not my place.
I hope that clears up any misunderstanding and that I have redeemed myself in your eyes somewhat.
I'm sorry, I don't think I explained myself fully enough - it was late last night. I wasn't talking about a relationship in my entry; rather, I was simply talking about how I feel about the idea of a civil partnership. Whether a heterosexual couple are married in a church or a homosexual couple are in a civil partnership, in the eyes of UK law it is simply a contract. One that benefits the interests of both members of the couple. One that grants both heterosexual and homosexual couples equal rights under UK law. Which, I believe, is only fair, ethical and just.
A relationship is many things to many people. It is an incredibly personal thing and not one that I would dare to comment on (other than discussing my own relationship, which I tend to keep private); it is not my place.
I hope that clears up any misunderstanding and that I have redeemed myself in your eyes somewhat.
That's fair enough but I suppose it becomes pretty difficult to hear people comparing queer couples to business relationships or to siblings when in fact they're relationships between two people the same as any other.
I wonder whether you feel that if there was a stricter deliniation between civil marriage and religious marriage you would have any objection to same-sex couples being married in a civil ceremony?
I wonder whether you feel that if there was a stricter deliniation between civil marriage and religious marriage you would have any objection to same-sex couples being married in a civil ceremony?
Nicely said Marky.
I am curious to see what will happen with the view of adopting and fostering children.
I am curious to see what will happen with the view of adopting and fostering children.
To be honest, I don't consider heterosexual civil ceremonies to be marriages. (I believe a marriage is not a marriage if it is not blessed by God.)
That being said, I again agree that the so-called civil marriages are a good idea because the contact that the couple enter into benefits not only both of them but also any of their children.
(Let me reiterate that when I say contract I am not talking about the relationship; rather, I am referring to the agreement/vow entered into by both parties.)
That being said, I again agree that the so-called civil marriages are a good idea because the contact that the couple enter into benefits not only both of them but also any of their children.
(Let me reiterate that when I say contract I am not talking about the relationship; rather, I am referring to the agreement/vow entered into by both parties.)
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