Homosexual priests and ordinands

Question 1

Definition:

An ordinand is a person who is preparing to be ordained.

Question 2

Pragmatic approach of the CoE towards homosexual priests:

• Provided that their homosexual activity was contained within stable relationships and did not interfere with their pastoral ministry, homosexual priests are valid. In fact, the qualities displayed by the male homosexuals of sensitivity and acceptance of people in need made them particularly good pastors.
• More recently the Church has had to set out guidance for those hoping to be ordained. In the CoE, openly gay people may be ordained provided that they are in stable relationships and do not engage in homosexual acts. In 2005, the General Synod of the CoE allowed people in same-sex civil partnerships to be ordained to the priesthood. This was extended to priesthood in 2013.

Question 3

Consider for AO2:

• Whether restrictions on gay priests and ordinands to refrain from engaging in homosexual acts goes against the personal integrity of the person in a. loving, stable relationship.