Part 226. Conservative Evangelicals' mindset

Conservative Evangelicals in the Church of England claim marriage is between one man and one woman on the basis that it is the traditional expression of marriage in scripture. Accordingly no other form of marriage has claim to biblical authority. Such interpretation is rooted in literalism and claims to bible inerrancy. Fortunately secular society sees things differently, as do some Christian church denominations.

Opposition to change within the CofE comes from conservative Anglo-Catholics and, far more significantly, conservative Evangelicals.  This blog has commented at length on the ongoing battle within the CofE.

The Salvation Army holds an identical theological view to the CofE and the Roman Catholic Church: marriage is between one man and one woman. Whilst there are individuals within TSA campaigning for full inclusion (sexual orientation should not be used to justify discrimination) there is little sign that the Army will move away from its current stance. One senior officer at the United Kingdom & Ireland Territory Headquarters has stated that the Army is heavily influenced by the charismatic and evangelical wings of the CofE.  Not a good omen.

So, will change come? Will the conference at Warwick University this March on what it means to belong in the Army be the catalyst producing change in TSA's approach? Maybe, but don't count on it.