(Jude 3 ESV)
Beloved in Christ,
As you may be aware, yesterday the Church of England’s General Synod voted to allow the blessing of same-sex civil unions, joining a number of Anglican provinces around the world, including the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, who seem intent on insisting that the historical, biblical theology of marriage and sexuality is wrong. I am grieved by this decision. Not just because it challenges the authority of Scripture, but also because, as Archbishop Foley Beach has written, it is “shredding the last remaining fragile fabric” of the Anglican Communion.
I commend to you the Archbishop’s letter, as Chair of GAFCON Primates’ Council, which you will find here.
I do also want to acknowledge that there are many who continue to struggle with the Church’s teaching on human sexuality, who may be distressed or conflicted in the midst of this debate. It is a difficult and challenging season. Given that, I invite all of us to continue to look to Jesus for the grace and comfort we need to faithfully follow him, in this and every season.
Please continue, with grace and love to all, “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” May the witness of our lives and words shine before others, that Jesus may be known and loved by more and more people. Please pray for the flourishing of our Anglican Gospel witness, both here in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and around the world.
Grace and peace to you,
