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ENGLAND: Bishops pastoral statement undermines Christian teaching says Church Society
September 19, 2005
A recent meeting of the Council of Church Society unanimously condemned the Pastoral Statement on Civil Partnerships issued by the House of Bishops over the summer. The statement is flatly contradictory, claiming that the Church's teaching remains unchanged in relation to marriage and sexual intercourse, but encouraging Civil Partnerships, the teaching of error, and the turning of a blind eye to sin.
In advising clergy not to ask questions of those seeking baptism, confirmation and communion the House is in conflict with the doctrines of the Church of England and appears to be acting in contravention of the oaths they took when consecrated as Bishops.
By stating that people are free to argue for a change in the current teaching of the Church they are encouraging error (which they have sworn to drive out) and demonstrating that they do not truly believe what they claim to uphold. It is clear to everyone, including Anglicans in other parts of the world, that in this statement the House of Bishops has finally come clean.
As a body the Bishops are openly encouraging practices contrary to the Word of God and the doctrines of the Church of England. The Rev David Phillips, General Secretary of Church Society stated; "Our hope is that evangelical churches will rebuke their Bishops and urge them to distance themselves from the statement if they are to retain any credibility.'
http://www.churchsociety.org/issues/ethics/iss_ethics_civpart-intro.htm For further information please contact: Revd David Phillips (01923-235111 / 07801-265049) General Secretary Revd Tim Chapman (01223 840732)
Members of Council Church Society exists to uphold biblical teaching and to promote and defend the character of the Church of England as a reformed and national Church. For further information see the Church Society website : www.churchsociety.org
