At the time, and for many years, I had no idea what it meant.
Then, when I began to understand something of the links in England between the Church of England and the Crown, I recall having theoretical debates with friends about the benefits and costs of these 'establishment' links.
Having been ordained as a minister of religion (what it says on my Passport) in the Church of England, since 1978 (35 years and counting!), and having spent all of that time in local parish ministry, I now find myself wondering whether these links can be sustained.
The votes in the House of Commons yesterday and today may have far reaching consequences for the Church of England in particular. The divisions in the Conservative Party may be matched by divisions within the Church of England over this issue, but the status quo is not likely to be either comfortable or possible. How might we respond?
Jesus was confronted with similar, though different, issues. The question he faced was financial rather than social, but the consequences were again far reaching. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20.21-25)
Jesus was confronted with similar, though different, issues. The question he faced was financial rather than social, but the consequences were again far reaching. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20.21-25)
I continue to pray that our elected and unelected leaders will be wise, for the sake of all in our nation. And while I accept that not everyone holds to be true about marriage what I hold to be true, I believe that giving to God what belongs to God is the best option in all circumstances.
Do contact our MP, Jonathan Lord, to encourage him to continue in his stance against this legislation. jonathan.lord.mp@parliament.uk
Best wishes,
Richard
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