What is in Kelvin's Head?

Public Opinion and Same-Sex Marriage – John Curtice

18/03/2014

A while ago we had a real treat at St Mary’s. Prof John Curtice gave a talk about public opinion and same-sex marriage. It was one of those forums which was very special for those who were there. There simply isn’t anyone who knows how to read and interpret public opinion as John can and it was great to see him in action.

It was also one of the first forum meetings which I videoed. Unfortunately, the talk that John gave was fantastic but the audio on the video was terrible. Lots of people tried to listen but some were quite disappointed. For that reason, I was delighted that John agreed to give a similar, though slightly updated, talk to the diocesan synod that we held here in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway on 1 March 2014. Once again, John was gracious enough to allow it to be videoed and this time the audio is tip-top, thanks to Kennedy Fraser’s work on the sound-desk.

This can be posted freely. I suspect that it may help far more people in the church get their heads around where public opinion lies on this question than were at the synod the other week. Do share and use on other blogs and diocesan websites. And take a look – it is well worth putting aside half an hour to watch.

Now the question for the day, is – in what ways does public opinion matter when the churches make their minds up about same-sex marriage?

john curtice, public opinion, Same Sex Marriage

6 responses to “What the Scottish Episcopal Church is Voting On”

Bro David

07/06/2017

So does the conscience clause extend only to parishes and priests? Or does it extend to bishops beyond whether they personally choose to officiate a same-sex marriage, but with regard to their diocese? As you know, the US Church allows bishops to decide for their entire diocese. Even though TEC, as a province of the AC, allows same-sex marriage, individual TEC bishops diocesan can disallow same-sex marriage in thier diocese. So there are swaths of TEC with no same-sex marriage and same-sex couples having to look elsewhere for their wedding*.

I’m not sure where Canada stands on this with regard to bishops diocesan and their dioceses. I know my home church, the Anglican Church of Mexico, ignores this issue currently. LGBT folks haven’t gained a large enough foothold in the Mexican Union to force the issue in churches outside of the massive Roman church.

*My suggestion to TEC couples is to scout around for a friendly Evangelical Lutheran Church in America parish nearby that may celebrate their nuptials with them and their family & friends. A friendly parish in the North Province of the Moravian Church in America is another option for those living within the North Province’s boundaries. Both those churches allow same-sex marriage and are in full communion with TEC. (The Alaska and the South Provinces of the Moravian Church have not yet allowed same-sex marriage.)

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1. Kelvin
  
  07/06/2017
  
  The bishops have agreed that this will apply to the whole church. My understanding is that the conscience clause will not extend to bishops declining to authorise people. I know that a bishop who has voted against the legislation has assured me that there would be no problem in clergy in his diocese being nominated to conduct such weddings. The principle that one person’s conscience can’t trump another person’s conscience applies.
  
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Mark Hunter

08/06/2017

Godspeed to you and the Scottish Episcopal Church, Kelvin. I wish you the best – an American brother. BTW, you do know that we still wear the St. Andrews cross in the shield of the Episcopal Church of the US. It isn’t for nothing.

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Susan Cooper

08/06/2017

An excellent and clear article.

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Guy

08/06/2017

Glad the vote went the way it did, though scarily close in the House of Clergy. Would I be being presumptious if I said that things can only get better from now on…….?

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Catherine Shelley

08/06/2017

Delighted to hear the result of the vote and to read this compassionate, principled and sensible reflection. Best wishes and prayers as you move forward; this English clergywoman is certainly tempted to consider applying for a move north of the border.

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