When will they ever learn...

I followed this link from Gill Hand's blog, because I couldn't quite believe what I was reading. Alas, it is true...the Rt Rev Graham Dow, Bishop of Carlisle - our local bigot - oops, sorry, I mean bishop - has declared that the floods are not just a result of a lack of respect for the planet, but also a judgment on society's moral decadence...(he continues)

"This is a strong and definite judgment because the world has been arrogant in going its own way...We are reaping the consequences of our moral degradation, as well as the environmental damage that we have caused...We are in serious moral trouble because every type of lifestyle is now regarded as legitimate...In the Bible, institutional power is referred to as 'the beast', which sets itself up to control people and their morals. Our government has been playing the role of God in saying that people are free to act as they want...The sexual orientation regulations [which give greater rights to gays] are part of a general scene of permissiveness. We are in a situation where we are liable for God's judgment, which is intended to call us to repentance."

Having had the pleasure of getting to know many wonderful people from the Franciscan religious communities over the last year, and having had the chance to talk deeply about the nature of God and the Spirit, I am appalled by such judgment from a man who declares himself a religious leader. It reinforces my dislike of Religion per se - but this kind of attitude has no place spoken for God. If there is any truth in the words of the scriptures, it is Love - that god is Love, that we are equal and connected. The notion of a condemning God can only increase the risks of fundamentalism. And we wonder why we live in a time of 'terror'.

So - Bishop of Carlisle - I may not be a Christian. I may not be baptised or go to Church. I may believe in freedom of choice and in self-responsibility and in Love. I may support the flourishing of multi-dimensional relationships and sexualities, so long as they are loving and consensual, but I can tell you this: your judgment has nothing to do with God or God's Love. I suggest you go back and read your Scriptures. And whilst you are at it, maybe read some information on climate change and a little bit of historical data on the wealth of the Church. Our willingness to blame 'another' detracts us from acknowledging our own responsibility for the care and welfare of our environment and for the promotion of social justice and the fair distribution of wealth. Acceptance and tolerance and open-mindedness and love do not cause floods...

And if you want to read more on this, you can go to the article in The Daily Telegraph on http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/07/01/nflood201.xml&CMP=ILC-mostviewedbox