Following the nomination of Dr Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading and his subsequent withdrawal of his acceptance, the Archbishop of Canterbury has called for a ‘cooling off’ period for reflection. Part of that reflection should be for Christians to consider the basis on which we make ethical decisions. At our recent PCC meeting we discussed the issue of the remarriage in Church of divorcees. Introducing the debate, I suggested the following as a background principle. “Fundamental to all decisions Christians make as the Church, should be the ‘perceived’ will of God through the Bible, the tradition and teaching of the church, and prayerful consideration of the issues involved. We should seek to base our decisions against the background of a moral absolute whilst recognising changing historical circumstances. We should not base our decisions on an ‘opinion poll’ basis. We should consider where public opinion is challenging our Christian discipleship, but should not be persuaded simply by what is ‘politically correct’ or fashionable, at any one moment.”
On the particular issue of the remarriage in Church of divorcees, it is seemingly impossible to do justice to two Christian principles. On the one hand is the biblical evidence and Church’s traditional teaching of the indissolubility of marriage, and on the other is the Gospel imperative for pastoral concern, especially as this relates to those whose marriages have broken down irreconcilably. For a long time I have personally felt that the best solution would be to have a separate service which is a marriage service, and recognised as such, but not the same as that for ‘first’ marriages. This would recognise that the ideal is marriage for life, yet also enable those whose first marriage has broken down to remarry in Church. Unfortunately General Synod did not agree with me! The only option therefore, is remarriage using the same service. At every level the Church of England has now voted, with convincing majorities, to allow remarriage in certain circumstances. Bearing this in mind, and after considerable discussion, our PCC also voted that there are circumstances in which divorcees should be allowed to remarry at St James. The decision, in fact, rests with the Incumbent, but I did not want to proceed without the agreement of the PCC. The PCC endorsed the guidelines laid down, which are as follows:-
&Mac198; This does not confer an automatic right on couples to further
marriage in Church.
&Mac198; Issues and questions to be addressed by clergy in particular
situations:-
1. Clear understanding of the meaning and purpose of marriage.
2. Mature view of circumstances of breakdown of previous marriage and readiness to enter wholeheartedly and responsibly into new relationship.
3. Sufficient healing of wounds from breakdown.
4. Would proposed marriage undermine Church’s witness to marriage?
5. Would it ‘consecrate an old infidelity’?
6. Has either party been divorced more than once?
7. Sufficient readiness to explore the significance of Christian faith? – It should not be an isolated contact with the Church.
I personally have resisted any move which leaves the Incumbent to discriminate as to whether a particular couple should be remarried, but this is, in effect, what General Synod has decided. It will be my intention to invite any couple seeking remarriage at St James to look through the guidelines and then go through them with me in detail, to decide if remarriage in Church is appropriate.
I commend the Archbishop’s invitation to us all that we should prayerfully reflect on the various ethical issues before us. May we be as ready to listen as to speak, and respect each other’s Christian conscience within the Body of Christ.
Yours sincerely
Peter Lee
