For centuries, millions of people around the world have attended church for all sorts of reasons. Some go for rest and relaxation, clearing their minds and getting closer to God; others may seek comfort in His teachings; and many attend out of a sense of tradition or obligation — that it’s just what you do on Sunday. However, one of the oldest churches in the world has answered one of life’s biggest questions: why they go to church.Â
England is known for being a country that embraces tradition. The latest case of England taking the lead in progressive changes comes from the Church of England. Recently, this long-standing Western institution made a radical move to reconsider the traditional use of masculine pronouns to describe God, and instead floating ideas on how they refer to God. You can’t make this stuff.
Newsmax reports, The Church of England announced Wednesday that it would reconsider the traditional use of masculine pronouns to describe God, proposing gender-neutral alternatives to “He” and “Our Father.”
Watch what LGBT activists and church leaders had to say about this.
During the latest General Synod in London, the church announced that it plans to launch a commission to investigate how gendered language is used in prayers, baptisms, and in general.
The Church of England told The Washington Post, “Christians have recognised since ancient times that God is neither male nor female. Yet the variety of ways of addressing and describing God found in scripture has not always been reflected in our worship.”
At the meeting, bishop Michael Ipgrave of Lichfield, vice-chairman of the new commission, confirmed that clergy have been exploring “how to utilize gendered language when referring to God for several years.”
Bishop Ipgrave stated, according to The Guardian.”After some dialogue between the two commissions in this area, a new joint project on gendered language will begin this spring.”
In the last seven years, church officials have also explored the possibility of recognizing same-sex marriages and LGBT clergy, with bishops deciding last month to authorize “prayers of thanksgiving, dedication, and for God’s blessing on same-sex couples.”
After the passing of their most traditional leader, it is disheartening to see England heading in a negative direction. While the Queen fought for the preservation of tradition and was often disregarded for not being progressive enough, it is very likely that this pushback has contributed to England’s current state. I fear that it is already too late to address the issue now . The Church of England will not be restored without drastic changes, the English must tread lightly for they do not want to become a new Australia like regime.
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