Archbishop’s Views On Sexuality Face Fierce Criticism
Evangelical leaders have expressed their astonishment at remarks made by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who suggested that same-sex sexual relations are not sinful when they occur within a committed relationship. Welby shared these views during an appearance on “The Rest is Politics” podcast, hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. In response to a question reminiscent of one asked during a 2017 GQ interview, Welby indicated that he believes all sexual activity should occur within a committed relationship, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual.
The Archbishop’s comments drew immediate backlash from various pro-life and faith-based groups. He emphasized that while the Church of England has put forward a proposal to bless same-sex couples who have entered civil partnerships or marriages, the traditional view of marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman remains in place. However, this position has sparked significant controversy within the Church of England, particularly among those who adhere to a more traditional interpretation of marriage and sexuality.
The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) called Welby’s remarks “staggering” and expressed disbelief that he would suggest sexual intimacy is permissible outside of heterosexual marriage. They argued that this represents a departure from the established doctrines of the Church and the Anglican Communion, which uphold traditional views on marriage. The theologian Andrew Goddard, writing for the CEEC, labeled the Archbishop’s comments as “misleading,” criticizing him for providing an inaccurate portrayal of the Church’s current teachings and the rationale behind the Living in Love and Faith process.
In an effort to mitigate the fallout from the controversy, Lambeth Palace clarified that Welby’s comments reflected his personal perspective rather than an official Church doctrine. They noted that his views have evolved over time through theological reflection and prayer, particularly during the Living in Love and Faith process. The Palace emphasized that there remains no consensus among bishops regarding these issues, and that the Church is still grappling with deep divisions on matters of sexuality.
Danny Webster from the Evangelical Alliance commented on the ongoing debate, suggesting that the Archbishop may have overstepped by speaking on behalf of the Church while discussions continue. Peter Lynas, EA U.K. Director, pointed out a significant shift in the Church’s criteria for sexual relations, indicating that the focus has moved away from the gender of the individuals involved to the nature of their commitment. This change, he argued, represents a fundamental shift in the Church’s stance on sexuality.