What does being “liberal in ethics” while being supposedly evangelical and orthodox in other areas really mean in practice? Well, in this case it means that the new dean can live as an active homosexual, marry another man – that’s the “ethics” bit – and expect everyone to believe his claim to orthodoxy elsewhere.
The problem is that by adopting a code of sexual ethics – one that coincidentally benefits him – that runs counter to clear Biblical injunctions and 2000 years of Christian teaching, he invites scepticism about his real attachment to evangelical preaching, orthodox Trinitarian theology and fervent discipleship. When his alleged orthodoxy becomes less than entirely convenient what is to stop Father Kennington becoming as “liberal” in that – assuming he isn’t already – as he is in his tolerance for homoerotic liaisons?
From here (page 1):
The next Dean of the Diocese of Montreal and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral
Father Kennington, who was selected after a year-long search, succeeds Very Rev. Michael Pitts, who
retired last year after serving in the post since 1991 and who is also from Britain, although he was already serving in Montreal at the time of his appointment. Another point in common is that both men were in contact with Russia and Russian Orthodoxy in their early careers.
In a biographical note supplied to the cathedral, Father Kennington describes himself as “liberal in ethics, evangelical in preaching, catholic in liturgy and orthodox in his understanding of Trinitarian theology and Christology.” He “is passionate about mission and about helping people grow in faith to become fervent disciples of Christ so that the Christian Community can build God’s Dominion of love, justice and peace.”
Father Kennington also writes that he will enter into a civil partnership in May. His partner, Jonathan, will join him in Montreal shortly after that. Father Kennington has three adult children – a son and two daughters – from a previous marriage.
The article goes on to say:
Paul is highly qualified, is a man of faith, gives priority to pastoral matters, encourages lay ministries, understands the importance of liturgy and music in worship, is a wonderful preacher, lives a good Christian life, and is delightful to meet.
I’m sure he is a lovely bloke, but how did we get from the point where the qualifications for being a Deacon included “the husband of one wife” to “the ex-husband of one wife and now the husband of one man – but he lives a good Christian life; really, he does”. No wonder the Anglican Church of Canada is a laughing stock.
well I guess they had a hard time finding anyone who qualified.
Dear David if you were educated enough to read your Bible responsibly you would realise that in the original languages of the texts, the two verses supposedly “condemning” homosexual behaviour – not orientation – are cherry picked out of the bible for people like you to bolster your own narrow bigotry. Plesae read further on in both Leviticus and plenty of the rest of the bible to realise that the bible also says we are all required to approve of things (like slavery) which nobody today will condone. Don’t slag off Fr Paul before you hear him preach, teach and get to know him. Or are you afraid to do that?
Leviticus is one of the books of the Pentateuch describing obligations of the Covenant and dates to the time around Moses. The easiest way to get around one subject is to introduce another. This is not about slavery or stealing or adultery. To me the Bible is quite clear. Without meeting Mr. Kennington, who does not deserve to be a priest, I can assume he is hypocritical in his vows.
I ‘borrowed this:
The Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches specifically that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. When people continue in sin and unbelief, God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexual “offenders” will not inherit the kingdom of God.
God does not create a person with homosexual desires. The Bible tells us that people become homosexuals because of sin (Romans 1:24-27) and ultimately because of their own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as some people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person’s choosing to sin by giving in to sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger/rage, does that make it right for him to give into those desires? Of course not! The same is true with homosexuality.
However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshiper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13).
So please show me where it says being gay is just fine.
Slavery was common among a number of cultures and although not condemned in the Bible, there were specific and complicated rules governing the practice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bible_and_slavery
Hullo. Heterosexual married white dude here, with five kids. Father Kennington is a great priest. He’s a brilliant preacher. We are privileged to have him at Christ Church. Thank you and carry on with your bug-eyed ranting.