Church leader's podcast chat about gay relationships stirs up heated debate
Archbishop of Canterbury shares new thoughts about same-sex relationships on popular podcast which dont match traditional church views. His comments made waves among religious leaders worldwide
In a recent podcast chat Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury shared views that dont match traditional church teachings: he stated that sexual activity is ok in any committed relationship straight or gay
All sexual activity should be within a committed relationship – and whether itʼs straight or gay
Church leaders worldwide pushed back hard against these ideas. They say Welbyʼs words go against basic church rules that say marriage is between a man and woman only (which comes from bible teachings)
Last winter bishops backed a plan letting same-sex couples get church blessings but Welby wont do these himself cause many global Anglican churches dont accept it. His position has changed a lot since about 7 years ago when he couldnt give a clear answer about gay relationships; now heʼs more direct
Lambeth Palace had to explain that these are just Welbyʼs personal thoughts – not official church policy. The statement pointed out that while his views changed after lots of prayer and thinking the church is still split on this topic: some bishops agree with him but many dont
- Church allows blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples
- Priests can choose if they want to do these blessings
- Many global Anglican churches strongly oppose this
- Church remains divided on same-sex marriage
Religious policy expert Tim Dieppe says the Archbishop has let down the whole church and Christ himself. Meanwhile church minister Andrew Goddard thinks Welby is wrong about how many bishops support his views
