Justin Welby has dismissed his confidence in the Bible’s teaching on sexual ethics as ‘misplaced’.
The former Archbishop of Canterbury made the shocking remark at an event organised by The Cambridge Union, the University’s historic debating society.
Last year, while still in office, Welby angered evangelicals in the Church of England by stating that sexual activity is permissible within ‘committed relationships’.
Same-sex blessings
When challenged on the denomination’s decision to approve same-sex blessings while refusing to allow ‘gay marriage’, Welby maintained that it was “proper” to have standalone services in churches to bless the union of same-sex couples.
He continued: “The use of the word marriage is much more complicated. There is a very clear biblical definition of marriage which in the mouth of Jesus, clearly between a man and a woman.”
However, the former head of the Church of England went on to claim that ‘faithful and stable’ same-sex relationships are “a huge blessing” to those involved and for society as a whole.
this is an extraordinary insult to millions of Anglican believers who hold on to that traditional understanding
He added, “I began to realise that I was being thick” to have ever thought otherwise.
‘Extraordinary insult’
Anglican Futures, an initiative seeking to uphold orthodox Biblical teaching within the Anglican Communion, commented: “Take a moment to absorb that.
“Justin Welby has laid it on the line – the only reason that he once held a traditional view of marriage and sexuality was that he was ‘being thick’. Brainless, dopey, moronic (choose your word), this is an extraordinary insult to millions of Anglican believers who hold on to that traditional understanding.”
The process to appoint the new Archbishop of Canterbury is led by the Crown Nominations Commission, a 20-member body chaired by former spy chief The Lord Evans of Weardale KCB.
The Commission met at Lambeth Palace for the first time on 30 May and its decision is expected to be announced in the autumn.