Madam, - We have heard many voices raised in passionate rhetoric over recent events in the Anglican Communion. Some preach a message of tolerance and complete acceptance, others one of biblical authority and truth.
As a young Anglican lay person I find myself unsure of what to believe. I agree that when I look at Jesus I see someone who turned no one away. I also know that God is holy and that it is only through Him and His grace that all humanity, whether gay or straight, can be made whole and live life to its full.
I feel, however, that we are asking the wrong question. Churches contain many gay people as well as straight people. Some are "out", others not. Most are as unsure about the issue as the rest of us. It is not a question of "should we or shouldn't we"? It's a case of: "This is how things are and where do we go from here?" I only hope that our leaders can seek God and use this time well. Disunity serves no one. - Yours, etc.,
WILL MEGARRY, Mount Albany, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Rev Tony Whiting (March 1st) calls for the Church to give leadership on the issue of homosexuality, by which he means condemn it. But perhaps the Church is already giving us leadership. The Church is all its people, and many believe that the time is coming when it must accept homosexuality.
Is this moving with the spirit of the times, or being moved by the Holy Spirit? Only time will tell, but we must continue to listen to all voices, rather than look for a form of leadership that tells us not to listen. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICK G. BURKE, Northbrook Road, Dublin 6.