UK may allow churches to hold gay 'marriages' |
UK |
Written by Chris Perver |
Monday, 14 February 2011 12:46 |
The British government is currently proposing new legislation that would permit homosexuals and lesbians to 'marry' on church premises, as part of a wide-ranging redressing of so-called 'equality' laws. In 2005, the Labour government passed the Civil Partnership Act, which allowed people of the same gender to have their relationship recognized by the law. The government then brought in the Sexual Orientation Regulations which made it illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation, making it possible for homosexuals and lesbians to sue Christian business owners for refusing services on the grounds of conscience. Just a few weeks ago, a Christian couple who ran a guest house in their own home were sued by the homosexual activist group Stonewall for refusing to allow two men to share a bed. Despite the fact that two separate beds were offered to the men, and despite the fact that it was the stated policy of the guesthouse to not allow anyone outside of a marriage relationship to share a bed, the courts still awarded the men thousands of pounds in 'damages'. Presently it is against the law for a civil partnership to take place on church property. But the Equality Bill, which was passed by the government last year, may change all of that. And despite assurances by the government that no church will be forced into holding a ceremony that goes against their beliefs, it is not clear whether homosexuals and lesbians will still be able to sue a church or a minister for refusing services. Quote: "When the Equality Bill was passed by the House of Lords last March, a spokesman for the government equalities office said the move paved the way to allow religious groups "to let civil partnership ceremonies take place in their churches, mosques, synagogues and so on if they choose to do so". The spokesman added: "It will not force any religious group to do anything that is not compatible with their faith." However, the new move could open up a legal minefield with same-sex couples possibly taking anti-discrimination action against religious groups if they were barred from getting married in the place of worship of their choice. Looking at how far this nation has descended into the depths of depravity over the past 10 years, there is no doubt in my mind that this will not be the last legislation we will see regarding homosexual and lesbian 'marriage'. Traditional and Biblical morals and institutions, which have been regarded by a majority of law-abiding people on these islands for thousands of years, are suddenly being swept aside by governments now under the dictat of foreign powers. As Christians, we do not judge those who are caught up in these sins. For homosexuality is no greater sin than adultery. These people are desperately in need of God's salvation, not our condemnation. But what our government is doing, in legalizing and promoting a lifestyle that is diametrically opposed to God's law, will ultimately hasten God's judgement upon this land. The Bible says, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God". Those words were not spoken by David or Solomon, but by the Lord Himself (2nd Samuel 23:3). Again, the Bible says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!", Isaiah 5:20. Clearly our government is doing exactly that, by forcing its citizens to condone a lifestyle that is not only immoral and an abomination to God, but physically and emotionally harmful to the people involved in it. It is foolishness to think that God will somehow overlook what we are doing. He overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and all the cities of the plain for this same sin. And the Lord said that the conditions which would prevail at the time of His return would be somewhat similar (Luke 17:28-30). This world is ripening for judgement. Do not let yourself be caught up in its judgment, like Lot's family, who laughed when their father-in-law tried to warn them of the danger. As the Lord says in the book of Revelation, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues", Revelation 18:4. Jesus Christ did not come into the world in order to condemn the world. He came to save it (John 12:47). He loves you so much that He gave His life for you upon the cross so that your sins could be forgiven. He offered Himself as a sacrifice to God for your sins (Isaiah 53:6), and all those who trust in Him for salvation shall have everlasting life (John 3:16). God's offer of salvation is available for you. Don't wait until it's too late. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today (Acts 16:31). Acts 13:38 |
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