Posted to Franklin Graham’s Facebook page:
It’s a sad day for the Church of England. Any decision that goes against the Word of God is wrong—even if it’s called a trial. The Church of England decided to go forward with trial blessing services for same-sex couples.
They said they aren’t officially changing their doctrine—yet—but “blessing” and celebrating something that goes against what the Bible teaches is sin. And sin has consequences. God defined marriage as between a man and a woman.
I applaud those who have taken a stand against this change. The Anglican Network in Europe, the Anglican Convocation in Europe and the Anglican Mission in England have previously urged the House of Bishops to adhere to biblical teachings on sexual conduct.
They described the decision as offensive to God and a distortion of His message. We need to pray for the Church around the world to return to the firm foundation of God’s Word. “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true;“ (Psalm 18:30a)
The BBC reports:
Gay couples will be able to have special services of blessing in Church of England parishes for the first time. The services, while not formal weddings, will be able to include the wearing of rings, prayers, confetti and a blessing from the priest.
The amendment to back the services on a trial basis passed the Church’s parliament by one vote. The Church of England’s official teaching is that marriage is only between one man and one woman.
Earlier this year, bishops refused to back a change in teaching which would have allowed priests to marry same-sex couples, but said they would allow prayers of blessings for people in gay relationships as part of wider services.
