In light of
the motion on Human Sexuality within the Context of Christian Belief
passed at General Synod 2012 Reform Ireland asks the following
questions:
The Bishop of Cashel and Ossory stated that he would make no
comments concerning his actions until the Church of Ireland had
spoken.
The Church of Ireland spoke clearly and decisively at Christ
Church Dublin when the General Synod 2012 reaffirmed the biblical
teaching on marriage.
We would now ask Bishop Burrows to explain his
actions in relation to the appointment of Dean Tom Gordon as we believe
they are clearly contrary to the teaching of the Church of Ireland.
Further, in the light of the General Synod decision, we would ask how
Bishop Burrows can remain as a Bishop of the Church of Ireland?
Despite several public appeals and many letters requesting an
explanation of his actions the Bishop has remained silent. We believe he
can no longer remain silent and ask that he explains to the people of
the Church of Ireland, who are deeply hurt and offended, why he ignored
the teaching of the Church and appointed Dean Tom Gordon?
Regarding Dean Tom Gordon, we ask him to explain how his civil
partnership is compatible with Christian and Church teaching? We call on
the dean to reconsider his position in light of the teaching of
Scripture and the motion passed at General Synod in 2012.
Reform Ireland has remained silent over the past year concerning
this situation. However, contrary to assurances given, nothing has
changed and the Church of Ireland House of Bishops has failed to
exercise any discipline concerning Bishop Burrows and Dean Gordon.
This
is a moral failure on their part and shows a clear lack of biblical
leadership. We are saddened that this situation has been allowed to
continue and that it has de facto been accepted by those in
authority.
Reform Ireland places in the public domain, once again, its
opposition to the acceptance of this situation and, with a heavy heart,
states that it finds itself in broken communion with Bishop Burrows and
Dean Gordon as a consequence.
Reform Ireland has no desire to see the Church of Ireland torn
apart by this issue but as we look around the Anglican Communion,
especially the situation in the USA we can only conclude that we are on
an inevitable path to separation from one another.
We have committed
ourselves to maintain the Christian faith and the teaching of Scripture
on this issue. For us this is an issue which goes to the heart of Gospel
– that which the bible calls sin and must be repented of, cannot be
ignored or abandoned by those who wish to call themselves Christian and
remain faithful servants of Christ. We commit ourselves to uphold the
plain teaching of the Scriptures on this and all areas of holiness of
life.
We call those in spiritual oversight and all those who would claim
to be followers of Christ to commit to living lives in keeping with the
teaching of Scripture and where necessary to repent, seek God’s
forgiveness and to seek with the help of the Holy Spirit to live holy
lives.
Reform Ireland – March 2013
26th March 2013