Manchester supporters march in protest against Church of England’s gay marriage rejection

By Gareth Westmorland

Manchester joined in the support for a protest to take a stance against a recent Church of England rejection of gay marriage in York on Saturday.

Rev Ian Stubbs of Glossop, who set up an online petition called ‘Not in Our Name!', gathered more than 4,000 signatures to oppose the rejection.

The group presented their petition to Archbishop Rowan Williams and Archbishop John Sentamu last weekend with rousing success.

Rev Stubbs said he was dismayed when the news broke of the Church of England’s rejection.

“I feel embarrassed, awkward and disgusted that I am associated with a church that takes that view,” Rev Stubbs said.

“I just wanted to show my own distaste for the report and also the fact that a lot of people do not take that view and are generally disgusted by it.”

The Church's rejection read that gay marriagelacks the compassion of Jesus for all made in the image of God, fosters an unjust and continuing discrimination (and in some cases abuse) of people in the name of Christ, is in thrall to literal-minded understandings of scripture and tradition and lacks the energy and moral courage of Jesus who challenged unjust social structures and traditions.

And that it further undermines the national credibility and relevance of the Church of England.

After reaching 4,000 signatures, Rev Stubbs said: “Brilliant! Thank you, thank you, thank you every single person. Great result."

Giles Fraser of the Guardian was ashamed of the Church of England’s actions.

“I am spitting blood about the latest ridiculous statement from the Church of England,” Fraser said.

“It is worth exposing the straightforward lie that is expressed here – that the C of E hierarchy has been supportive of civil partnerships. It has not.

“This is not a great day to be a member of the Church of England.”

You can sign the petition at www.change.org/petitions/church-of-england-not-in-our-name

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