Letter: Singular view of cohabitation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I purchased a copy of Something to Celebrate in July and now I read that the Archbishop of Canterbury is "not the type to stand by while his church sanctions living in sin" ("Keeping the faith - and no messing", 2 December).
The report of the Church of England's Board of Social Responsibility resulted from wide, practical and scholarly consultation, and carries the sub-title "Valuing families in Church and Society". A highly respectable document, its constructive deliberations contrast markedly with the pronouncement by Dr George Carey on cohabitation. The report is sensitive to today's situations, offering balanced comment and a positive understanding of cohabitation.
In this parish, as in most, responsible cohabitation is a result not only of social trends but of economic practicalities. Some young couples have postponed marriage because of acute unemployment problems. Where a dilemma is apparent, love draws a couple together without the need for a formal marriage pronouncement, in spite of the stigma of "living in sin".
In practice, our cultural norm of traditional marriage should not be compared exclusively with the Christian love imperative. So, who is giving wise leadership in this matter - the church's Board of Social Responsibility, Dr Carey or evangelical dogma?
Yours sincerely,
Geoffrey Thompson
Diocesan Reader
Walney Island, Cumbria
2 December
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments