THE P RTAL
September 2013
Page 6
The official line
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in conversations among Christians at the moment is “the coming persecution”. Sounds dramatic, and probably is, but things have taken a rather dramatic turn in Britain over the past couple of years. Why should someone face retribution at work and even the threat of the sack, because he has stated a belief that marriage can only be between a man and a woman? Why should teachers be ordered to give children propaganda books telling them that two men can marry? Why should they be penalised if they object?
Auntie Jo a n
recurrent theme
freedom under the law
We are not used to this in Britain. For several generations now, we have thought of our country as a place of freedom under the law, of goodwill and common sense. We laughed at propaganda posters from Communist countries with their slogans about Marx and Lenin leading the proletariat to a glorious future. We were appalled at the treatment meted out to writers and scientists who came up with ideas that were contrary to Soviet officialdom.
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when discussing certain aspects of Christian morality, or the coded let’sdiscuss-this-later agreement that is made when two people of like mind get talking about the absurdity of the new official line, and the injustice of what is happening.
the Cross, at the heart of things
It all makes belonging to a vigorous Church the more important, and more banned from public events crucial. And that last word is interesting: the Cross, So it feels horrible to find ourselves in a country where at the heart of things. Christ didn’t promise us that a writer or scientist who opposed the Government’s things would be easy. policy on same-sex unions could be hounded out of public life or denounced as needing punishment. the Ordinariate quietly flourishes It is frightening to hear talk of Christian speakers Meanwhile Church life in the Ordinariate quietly being banned from public events unless they agree to flourishes, with events great and small. Here are a support the government line. couple of advertisements just to keep you balanced and sane.
go along with the official line
It’s weird. It makes everything feel lop-sided. Worst of all is the assumption that officialdom has the right to announce which Christian doctrines are acceptable and which are not. I was told recently “Look, it’s not wrong for you to hold your Christian views – but on the subject of marriage, why can’t you just agree to what is now acceptable, at least in public?” Which is roughly what St Thomas More was told in 1535. Just go along with the official line, at least in public, and you’ll be safe.
Ordinariate Film Evenings
Some while back, in The Portal, I highlighted the idea of Ordinariate Film Evenings. With the Autumn coming, these start again. Monday November 4th, 6.30pm at Precious Blood Church, London Bridge – the Ladies Ordinariate Group showing a film about Mother Teresa. It’s a great film – don’t miss it. Yummy snacks, and a warm welcome.
Towards Advent Festival
While we’re about it, note another date too: the Towards Advent Festival at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Saturday November 23rd. The Ordinariate has a stall, again, organised by the LOGS. We’ll be giving out literature, selling various goodies, talking about the Ordinariate…come and meet us there. Joanna Bogle DSG
I do want to be safe
And I do want to be safe. I don’t like the idea of living in a Britain where the normality of male-female marriage is regarded as merely one option among many – but an option that we are not allowed to announce ??????????????????????$?????e?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????((