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Gay Anglican clergy must prove sexual inactivity

Amended law places burden of proof on clerics
Gay Anglican clergy must prove sexual inactivity

York Minster Anglican cathedral picture by Shutterstock

Published: June 20, 2013 04:52 AM GMT
Updated: June 19, 2013 06:11 PM GMT

The law change approved by the Church of England at the turn of the year that allows gay clergy to be considered for consecration will be put to a test by a legal briefing sent out to General Synod members that says priests in civil partnerships will have to prove to archbishops that they are not in a sexually active relationship.

"To be admitted to Holy Orders a person must be 'of virtuous conversation and good repute and such as to be a wholesome example and pattern to the flock of Christ,' the Legal Office document sent in June reads. "Once in Holy Orders a cleric must be diligent to frame and fashion his life and that of his family according to the doctrine of Christ and to make himself and them, as much as in him lies, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ."

The legal briefing reminds Church of England members that a clergy's sexual orientation is "irrelevant to their suitability for episcopal office" and that it should not be taken into account when considering nominations for the position.

However, the document points to several resolutions and statements that "make it clear that someone in a sexually active relationship outside marriage is not eligible for the episcopate or, indeed, other ordained ministry."

Full Story: Gay Anglican Clergy Will Have to Convince Archbishops They Are Not Sexually Active 

Source:Christian Post

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