THURSDAY'S NEWS

Marriage Council report sparks debate on understanding of human relationships

The Report of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council sparked a wide ranging debate on the Church’s understanding of human sexuality and relationships.

Speakers put forward a variety of views on how the Church should respond to recent developments in genetic science, discussing whether such developments would radically revise understandings of human sexuality and whether the debate would necessitate a rethink of how society establishes rules on morality, civil rights and behavioural norms.

Differing views were voiced on how homosexuality could or could not be discussed in relation to the concept of Christian marriage, with some speakers referring to Biblical teaching on the subject and others raising the challenge of dealing compassionately with those who have not experienced the “ideal” of lifelong nurturing Christian marriage.

Canon Paul Draper (Cork) proposed the Council’s report and outlined something of the thinking of the Marriage Council in terms of developing a person-based (rather than issue based) understanding of the issues that arise when we consider marriage. “It is crucial to reclaim something of the radical nature of marriage,” he claimed.

“Above all, such radical commitment to another person in a deeply fractious world allows for an environment of grace in relationship, and even disclosure, which can lead to the healing of life’s deepest hurts,” he told Synod members. Marriage, he claimed, was often portrayed as a conservative, reactionary and static concept, but the recognition and nurturing of a radical spiritual element within marriage could transform it into a dynamic experience.

Becoming more engaged at diocesan and parochial level is also part of the Marriage Council’s agenda for the coming year. The Council is developing a guided study focusing on a theology of relatedness and looking at the stages of marriage and tools for change and growth in marriage. A presentation package will be disseminated for use by parishes in partnership with trained facilitators. The Marriage Council’s newly revamped website will also provide additional resources.

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