From the Herald today.
“Rev Holdsworth said: “The congregation is delighted to be able to welcome him. It is an uncontroversial invitation from the congregation. Bishop Gene Robinson is one of the best preachers in the world and we are looking forward to hearing him.
“The good news of the gospel is that everyone is welcome at Jesus’s table and that is something we live out at St Mary’s.”
Although refused permission to celebrate communion at every Anglican altar in England, the Rt Rev Gene Robinson will preach the Gospel and celebrate the Eucharist here in St Mary’s on 3 August 2008 at 1030.
See +Gene’s own blog for details of what was happening to him over the weekend in Putney.
There is a facebook event page set up for facebookites which can be used to indicate who is coming on 3 August and specifically to invite other people.
Well, St Mary’s has had a number of discussion events about various sexuality issues. Indeed, I remember coming and contributing to just such a day before I was appointed.
There are several issues here anyway, not least, how we read the bible. In St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow, we talk of little else.
I’ve no doubt that there will be more opportunities for discussion in addition to that afforded by the ongoing and interesting discussions which take place on this blog.
Kelvin, it’s great to see that your readership is increasing, but I hope that some of the new commentors will take time to read back through other conversations on the blog to learn how we can speak of disagreement without quite so much aggression.
Sorry too to see scripture being used as a weapon instead of a place where we can listen together for the Word of God.
The sermons of July 6 and June 22 both helped me to put words and images around how I can read and view the bible with integrity. While I wouldn’t expect these commentors to be convinced, at least it might be a step for them to understand how others of faith come to their honestly held position.
I also appreciate your kind, generous responses and am glad that you emphasize the phrase ‘opportunities for discussion’ over the word ‘debate’, Kelvin. For me, St. Mary’s is a sacred place, as well as a safe place, with meaning and ministry far beyond these sexuality issues. Casting it as a venue for debate and the backdrop of the tone of some of these posts was making me a wee bit nervous.
Reading some of the comments here from the likes of Raymond, Alistair, Don and John I begin to wonder – with great sadness – if as a loyal church member I haven’t been on the wrong side for half a century. Perhaps the values of the secular world really are better and more merciful.