We are choosing between the idea that sex can be enjoyed in whatever circumstances we wish, or alternatively, that it belongs within Christian marriage between a man and a woman with the intention of having children together. 

The Times, 19 January 2016

Sir:

Your leader puts things admirably clearly, but makes a category error (“Unholy Split”, Jan 16). The dispute in the Anglican Communion is about marriage, and biology has already acted discriminatively. The argument is indeed between “biblical truth and godly order” on the one hand, and discrimination on the other. But you mistake the discrimination. We are choosing between the idea that sex can be enjoyed in whatever circumstances we wish, or alternatively, that it belongs within Christian marriage between a man and a woman with the intention of having children together. This applies equally to heterosexuals as it does homosexuals.

Where we fail in our aspirations, apologise to God and start again. We don’t change the structures of our social life to accommodate our more recent cultural preferences. Orthodox Anglicans believe what all Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox practicing Christians believe and have always believed. It is only Anglicans who are accommodating themselves to the spirit of The Times who think otherwise.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Gavin Ashenden

Chaplain to the Queen