Sexuality and Gender Equality
A significant area in which people at St Mark’s are engaged is the problem the Church of England has with recognising and promoting sexuality and gender equality. Indeed, the Church has been given exemption from some equality legislation on ‘religious grounds’, which many of us would contest.
A small but significant step forward was taken in February 2023 when General Synod approved the production of liturgies to celebrate and bless couples in same-sex relationships. We believe that there is a lot more work to be done yet!
Similarly with gender equality: it is apparent that there remains significant discrimination against women in the church, even in those parts which accept the ministry of women as deacons, priests and bishops (to say nothing of the parallel pathways which still find room for those who cannot accept either the ordination of women or the headship of women).
We believe fervently that we need to develop a robust theology and a Christian anthropology fit for the gospel we claim to proclaim, so that we can help set the agenda rather than simply react (often with horror) to other people’s views and prevarications. We have to resist and to challenge. We have to do so graciously and lovingly, but clear-sightedly.
This is a liberation struggle, a gospel imperative as we try to respond faithfully to the God who in Jesus embodied radical inclusion, the God who in Jesus opened wide the arms of love on the cross that all might be drawn and enfolded within it.
Back in the summer of 2019, we organised a Study Day entitled: Good God! Sexuality and Gender Equality in the Church – Impossibility or Imperative? Below you will find some of the input and output of that day.
Sue Hammersley on the Good God – Sue Hammersley
‘A gift of God in creation’ – a theology of inclusion and grace – Andrew Foreshew-Cain
Sexuality and the Church of England a dull history of failure – Andrew Foreshew-Cain
Good God! worship – Sarah Colver/St Mark’s
Bibliography
This is my body – poem from the Gender Workshop – Frances Gray and workshop participants
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