Real heroes
Sunday 5th February 2023
[Jesus said], “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung round their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There is one group of people who are consistently overlooked in the current discussions in the Church of England about whether or not to offer prayers for blessing same-sex couples, and it is shameful. They are men and women who are same-sex attracted and yet remain celibate, convinced that God has designed sex for marriage between a man and a woman.
Such people seem to be an embarrassment to those pressing for the acceptance of same-sex sexual relationships in the church, because they testify that there is another way, a better way, a way that is possible with God’s help. Yet they are heroes in the Lord’s sight, and should also be in our sight. Calling his faithful children “little ones” is not meant in any way to be patronising or diminishing, but to express deep and lasting affection and care. And we can tell how much Jesus cares for such believers when we read what he feels about those who cause them to stumble into sin, so much so that death by drowning would be preferable.
I have been deeply moved and impressed by leaders in the Church of England who are themselves same-sex attracted and yet celibate, having the courage to speak up on this issue, and at some personal cost. Among them is Ed Shaw, Co-Chair of CEEC, who says: “As a gay, celibate Anglican I would need episcopal oversight and care from bishops who don’t patronize me by commending my self-sacrifice, whilst teaching it’s not necessary”. I can only feel that people like Ed are being badly let down by the current bishops’ proposals.
So, let us thank God for the faithful witness, godliness and self-sacrifice of such brothers and sisters, and pray that they will continue to know God’s favour and to have the courage to persevere on what can be a lonely and difficult road. They are real heroes, and we should honour them.
Yours warmly, in Christ,
Chris Hobbs (Senior Minister