Archbishop of York urges Church of England to ‘help anyone who has been hurt
The Archbishop of York has urged the Church of England to “help anyone who has been hurt” as talks begin on sexuality, including same-sex union, begin.
The Church began “conversations” on Sunday lunchtime, which will go on until Tuesday, in order to try and repair damage done around the issue of same-sex unions.
The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, warned as the talks began not to “walk by on the other side”, saying “anyone who is hurt is our neighbour”.
He spoke at a service before the talks, preaching on the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
“He is both the neighbour and the wounded on the roadside,” he added.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has already apologised for “hurt and pain” caused to the LGBT community by the Church of England.
It is expected that the Church will somehow maintain its stance that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, but that it may make some “accommodations” for same-sex unions.
This could come in the form of blessing services by those willing to perform them.
As part of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act of 2013, the Church of England is barred from performing same-sex weddings.
Other denominations are able to perform the unions, should their controlling body wish so.
Sentamu went on: “Love must be practical and not merely consist of sentiment” saying love consists of a “long-term commitment”.
Of those opposed to same-sex relationships, Sentamu said: “Merciful neighbours need not be friends”.
