Cleric in Same-Sex Marriage Faces CDM
Sam Margrave, General Synod member from Coventry Diocese has informed the Bishop of Manchester his intention to submit a Clergy Disciplinary Measure (CDM) against a deacon in Manchester Diocese.
The English Churchman was sent a copy of the letter and accompanying public profiles for the people concerned on Twitter.
Margrave wrote,
“Dear Bishop,
“I am writing to formally complain about attached.
“I want to let you know I intend to submit a CDM and other legal action.
“Before I do that, I would like to know what disciplinary action you will be taking, of Revd Alexa will be removed from ministry and if you will continue to sponsor her for ordination to the Priesthood?
“The tweets are clear. Revd Alexa is living with her partner as married. They call each other wife. Do they share a bed?
“This is heresy. It is contrary to the laws Ecclesiastical and the Canons of the Church of England.
“I don’t want to be forced to take action through the Courts to uphold doctrine, teaching and morals. But I won’t hesitate if that is my only route.
“Someone who is in a same sex marriage is not allowed to minister. Someone who is living with a same sex partner as wife and wife is doing something unbecoming as a clerk in holy orders.
“It is sad that I even have to take this stand. The Bishops should be upholding the faith inherited and not ordaining people who choose this sinful lifestyle.”
In a public Tweet on Sunday 5 March at 01:49 pm, the couple announced their wedding fin the day before. On Monday, 6 March, Deacon Russell said it had been a mistake because they were just in a civil partnership.
Here is the profile and the Tweets of the C of E Deacon, Alexa Russell and her wife/partner?, Johanna, a junior doctor.
Readers can decide for themselves.
