The election of the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church will have a major impact internationally, argues Gordon Linney
The Anglican Diocese of New Hampshire has a new bishop in the Rev Gene Robinson and the Anglican Communion worldwide has a major problem on its hands as it comes to terms with the appointment of a man who is quite open about his homosexuality and the active relationship in which it finds expression. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has admitted that there will be far-reaching consequences in the US and beyond. His decision to invite senior colleagues from all over the Anglican Communion to a meeting in mid-October is an indication of just how serious those consequences could be.
The recent statement from the Catholic Church, which was strong in its condemnation of same-sex relationships, reminds us that Anglicans are not alone in trying to address this issue. Some will be reassured by the uncompromising message coming from the Vatican, but no condemnation, however severe, can alter the reality that in all our churches there are homosexual people, clergy and lay, who believe they are in stable and loving relationships and want to be counted in.
The issue is also on agendas in the secular world. Legislation is proposed in the UK and exists in other European countries to provide protection in respect of property, pension and other rights for parties to same sex relationships. It seems likely that similar provisions will be made and should be made in this jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, within the Anglican Communion the controversy grows with bitter denunciations of what the Americans have done and threats of schism on a world scale. Spare a thought for Canon Jeffrey John of the Church of England, a celibate homosexual, who, only a matter of weeks ago, having being proposed as Bishop of Reading agreed to stand down in the face of strong opposition for the good of the church. Such concerns did not restrain Gene Robinson or the Synod or even the American House of Bishops. Is this an example of American self-belief or an indifference to what others, including their friends, think and feel?
There is little doubt that in the public subconscious on these matters there is much fear and not a little ignorance. There is a homophobic fear of those who are perceived as "different" no matter how decent or non-threatening. There is also a frightening ignorance that indulges in gay bashing and, on occasion, outrageously links homosexuality with paedophilia. It is important for churches to be aware of the dangers and consequences of reinforcing such attitudes by the way they deal with these matters. They must not compound or embrace the guilt of previous generations whose attitudes to gay people were often shameful and unchristian.
Many in the Church of Ireland - the Irish province of Anglicanism - start off from a conservative base in these matters based on Scripture and tradition which are understood to affirm that homosexual practices are incompatible with a Christian lifestyle, a point made at the 1998 Lambeth World Conference of Anglican bishops. While rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture, it called on all its people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals.
But reason, that other important element in Anglican thinking, insists it is not that simple. Important questions are being raised about the precise meaning of key Scripture texts. Medical science and other disciplines have required us to think in new terms about human sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular. The natural law view that procreation is the prime purpose of sexual intercourse is questioned by those who maintain that human sexual activity is first and foremost relational, an expression of love. This latter view is reflected in the latest Church of Ireland Marriage Rite and to some extent gets us away from talking about human sexuality merely in physical terms.
Some would argue this new emphasis requires us to respond to the pleas of those who are gay. Rather than damn them, we should show understanding of their need for relationship. Therein lies a dilemma for Christians in the 21st century. Some appear to be totally opposed to any discussion. Their minds are made up and closed. Others would welcome an honest debate which at the very least would signify a church that is prepared to listen and, if need be, learn. That was probably in the minds of the Irish Bishops when it was announced at General Synod in May that they were preparing a document on the subject. But all that was before last Wednesday when the election of Gene Robinson was confirmed by a majority of the American House of Bishops. The bishop-elect has described it as a great day for the gay and lesbian movement. But was it a great day for the church?
Gene Robinson made much of his conviction that God was calling him to this office. But it is generally accepted that there is another dimension to such a calling, namely affirmation by the wider church. In a limited sense that has been given within America, but without reference to, or in defiance of the views of the rest of the church. An immediate effect has been a polarisation between the extremes. There are signs within the US that some dioceses are deeply troubled.
This was reflected in the fact that 40 per cent of the bishops voted against the appointment. Other provinces, especially in Africa and South America, are likely to show their unease in some way or another.
There are undoubtedly worrying times ahead but perhaps the continuity and harmony of the Anglican Communion can and will be maintained through the experience and influence of its older provinces in these islands. The Church of England in particular, in what seemed to be a muddled handling of the Jeffrey John affair, is nonetheless in a position to play a key role.
A time of reflection and study is needed to assess the implications of what has happened and to allow all sides to listen to and respect what others think and sincerely believe. That is an essential characteristic of Anglicanism.
An American friend, a supporter of the Robinson appointment, suggested to those who take a different view: "There is room in my church for you. Is their no room in your church for me?"
It is worth remembering that an important aspect of the role of a bishop is to be a focus for unity. It is difficult to see that in the New Hampshire appointment at this stage. But, throughout history, God has appeared to throw the rulebook out just now and again to teach us new things. Is this one of those times?
• Gordon Linney is the Church of Ireland Archdeacon of Dublin