English diocese cancels lecture by dissident theologian

September 12, 2012

An English diocese has cancelled a lecture by a theologian who has taken a public stand in favor of legal recognition of same-sex marriage.

The Diocese of Clifton announced that a scheduled lecture by Tina Beattie would not take place, as a result of controversy surrounding a letter that Beattie and 27 other people signed. The letter, which appeared in the London Times, said that it is “perfectly proper for Catholics, using fully informed consciences, to support the legal extension of civil marriage to same-sex couples.”

Beattie said that she accepted the decision, but said that she tries to “maintain a difficult but important balancing act” between upholding the teachings of the Church and “entering into reasoned and informed debates about issues of morality, society, and values which are contingent and capable to being adapted to different cultures and contexts.” Citing the final interview of the late Cardinal Carlo Maria Montini, she said that the Church needs more open debate, and asked whether “people are still listening to the advice of the Church regarding sexuality.”

The topic of Beattie’s scheduled lecture did not involve same-sex marriage of human sexuality. She had been slated to speak on the role of the Mother of God as explained by the Vatican II document Lumen Gentium.

 

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Further information:

• English bishop cancels lecture by theologian who argued for same-sex marriage (Catholic Herald)