Christian churches and sex
Methodist church: “Sexuality is a gift of God to us, which is to be received with joy. It is central to the renewal, deepening and enjoyment of the marriage relationship.”
Salvation Army: “Living together……falls short of God’s ideal will……..is not in the best interests of society or individual partners / offspring……. [Christians should] readily assist people who adopt this life-style, but without condoning it.”
Roman Catholic Church: “Sexual intercourse not only gives pleasure. It also has a powerful personal dimension in which the couple enrich one another’s lives. Marriage provides a continuous, reliable and predictable relationship within which the rich potential of sex can thrive. In this sense, sex actually requires marriage for the realisation of its potential.”
Christian churches and homosexuality
Church of England
The Church of England is part of a worldwide Anglican church that has been divided on homosexuality. The current official position (in 2010) is that same-sex partnerships are acceptable for laypersons but gay clergy are expected to be abstinent. However, in America, the Anglican church (called the Episcopal Church) appointed a non-celibate gay bishop, Gene Robinson.
Methodist Church
The Methodist Church of Great Britain has not taken a definitive stance on homosexuality, although affirms the traditional belief that individuals should remain chaste outside marriage. In 2006, the Church also prohibited the blessing of same sex unions on or off church property
Quakers (Religious Scoiety of Friends)
In the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, Friends are largely accepting of homosexuality.
Roman Catholic Church
"Homosexual acts are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 2357
