Madam, - The recent Lambeth Conference, reported in your edition of October 17th, at which where the Anglican bishops discussed whether or not to support the "consecration" of an openly gay canon, calls to mind another Lambeth Conference.
Madam, - The recent Lambeth Conference, reported in your edition of October 17th, at which where the Anglican bishops discussed whether or not to support the "consecration" of an openly gay canon, calls to mind another Lambeth Conference.
In 1930 the Anglican bishops discussed whether or not to allow the use of artificial contraception within marriage. Though they did not, I am sure, realise the consequences of this, they broke the link between the use of sex and the procreation of children.
This contributed in no small way to the growth of a mentality, now rife, which sees sex as separated from the the bringing (or possible bringing) of children into the world. Sex has come to be seen more and more as something which can be enjoyed for its own sake and not only within the context of marriage. It is entirely logical, then, if many people now see little or no problem with the use of sex in a homosexual union.
I hope and pray that the Anglican bishops will not support the gay agenda and put up another obstacle for ecumenism. We must be compassionate towards those with homosexual problems, as we must towards all people with their individual problems, but not by trying to change the truth about human nature. Rather we must speak the truth in love and try to follow the Maker's instructions.
The problems of the Anglican Communion today have their roots in the 1930 decision - and, indeed, one could go back further than that. - Yours, etc.,
Rev PHONCIE CULLINAN, Irish College, Rome.