Religious Left

by Riazat Butt, religious affairs correspondent The Guardian The Rev Dr David Lord, a New Zealander who tied the knot with English clergyman Peter Cowell on May 31, "felt it appropriate to lay down his clergy license", according to a statement released through the Anglican church in New Zealand. His decision will debar him from officiating as a priest. It comes amid a furore over the ceremony at St Bartholomew the Great church in the City of London. The Bishop of London, the Right Rev Richard Chartres, said services of public blessings for civil partnerships were not authorised in the Church of England or the diocese of London and has asked the Archdeacon of London, Peter Delaney, to investigate. related articles full article

BBC News The service, at St Bartholomew the Great Church in the City of London last month, used formal rites. The Reverend Peter Cowell and the Reverend Dr David Lord were already civil partners. Critics say the ceremony flouted guidelines, but the vicar who conducted it said church rules were not broken. The couple are said to have exchanged vows and rings in front of hundreds of guests in the event thought to be the first of its kind in the Anglican Church. related story full article

Two gay priests were married at one of London's oldest churchs; The Priory Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great . The ceremony was held for the Rev. Peter Cowell, Priest Vicar at Westminster Abbey, and the Rev. Dr. David Lord. Here are some excerpts from the Liturgy : Peter, wilt thou take this man as thy partner, in the sight of God?Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness and inhealth; and, forsaking al lothers, kipp thee only unto him, so long asyet both shall live? David, wilt thou take this man as thy partner, in the sight of God?Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness andin health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so longas ye both shall live? With this ring I thee bind, with my body I thee worship, and with all myworldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of theSon, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen Forasmuch as David and Peter have consented together in holy convenant,and have witnessed the same...