Sir, – The Rev Donard Collins (November 7th) suggests that in entering a civil partnership, Dean Tom Gordon has caused widespread and deep offence. On the contrary, I believe the vast majority of members of the Church of Ireland will be pleased that gay priests feel they can at last be open about their personal relationships.
There always have been gay priests. Some in relationships. But to be able to continue their ministry, they have had to exist in wretched closets of secrecy and denial. In recent times, Church of Ireland leaders at the highest level have publicly acknowledged the significant and valued contribution made to our church’s life and work by gays and lesbians. They have apologised for the hypocrisy that in the past has vilified personal lifestyles, while at the same time has benefited from effective ministries. Two of our bishops have been pleased to be associated with publications of Changing Attitude Ireland (CAI), an organisation that seeks to encourage rational and objective discussion within the Church of Ireland about same-sex issues and the ordination of those who are gay or lesbian.
It is not to the General Synod’s credit that its members continue to refuse permission to CAI to provide an information desk at the Synod’s meetings. This refusal, to my mind, is shamefully inconsistent with the liberal ethos of traditional Anglicanism. – Yours, etc,