Paul - spot on I think. The more i think about it, the more i think fear is at the heart of what motivates much of the church. That’s why i think we tend to hit those buttons as you say, & stay with what we know and comfortable with.

Malcolm - thanks for the facts. I find it pretty difficult to sift the truth from the hype in issues like this, so it good to have some facts from someone who has spent a bit more researching than i have. I have now found some the answers, to written questions, on hansard that you are referring to in your blog, and point to a considerable amount of fear and hype from those opposing the regulations.

All the best with the radio interviews tomorrow. I will have to listen to the radio 4 one as Radio Scotland doesn’t seem to appear in your long list of other stations that want to interview you!!

Thanks for opening up this as a post on your blog - and for the link to what I have said. In fact, I’m doing a load of radio this weekend on the same issue. http://www.malcolmduncan.typepad.blog tells you where.

Actually you are spot on. The way in which these regs are being represented is ridiculous. It all flows out of a DTI set of proposals which were open to comment until June last year called ‘Getting Equal’ which themselves sit as part of a wider set of equalities and discrimination legislation.

Whilst Christians have the right and should engage in public debate, we should do so intelligently, graciously and in well informed and honest way.

The shrill voices so vehement in their opposition to this were what made me speak out.

The facts rather than the accusations are worth noting. Firstly, there are no published regulations in England, Wales or Scotland yet - they are still being worked out! Secondly, there was a wide spread consultation period and the government has not yet published their responses to the consultation! Thirdly the jey concerns around boarding houses, use of premises, education and some elements of service provision have already been specifically answered in the Lords in a debate on 13th December last year and in a number of written assurances.

But some within the Christian community seem determined to mistrust government, attack legislation and vent their anger and demand their rights, no matter what happens.

I wonder what would have happened if Jesus had demanded his rights? And what about my responsibility to be gracious, loving and compassionate? And what about the obligation to treat people with dignity even when I don’t agree with their lifestyle choices. And what about the call to serve? And what about truthfulness and refusing to believe the worst of others, and love believing all things and….

The list goes on.

Love with conditions or a hidden agenda isn’t love, is it?

All the best

i mean ok we might be comfortable with gay sexuality but then again Jesus as a jewish rabbi would not have been comfirming the sexuality of the prostitute who he let annoint his feet or the half naked woman caught in adultery who was dragged before him and each time it’s the religious shame creating, finger pointing religious types who Jesus lets the shame rebound on and loves those who are sexually in a stew…

grins, maybe i should link my post to this comment instead, lol

thanks rupert…