No More Lies

by RSEtchells (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2017

  $3.25

  Reverend Charlotte Northam is a respected senior priest in the diocese of Exeter and serves a set of small villages on the edge of Dartmoor. She is called to discuss a significant move which would hold a great deal more responsibility. She is well qualified for the role, but her Bishop is surprised when Charlotte decides the long-held secret of her sexuality has to told. In a bizarre set of circumstances the bishop and Reverend Northam then discover they have a lot more in common than they had ever imagined. Charlotte finds herself supporting the Bishop's family following a horrific motorway accident. Her private is life is made public and Charlotte is forced to flee the Rectory following an arson attack. Her life, and that of several others, will never quite be the same. The author writes I've wanted to write this book for some time. It is a book of fiction and any similarities to any of the characters in the book are purely coincidental. However, the book is written from real experiences. For many years' gay priests have had to lead careful and often deceptive lives very similar to the experiences of Reverend Charlotte Northam. In the 21st century, society's understanding of sexuality has changed. The church has been challenged to think through its understanding and teaching. Reports are coming in front of General Synod: The Church's governing body, that discuss our current thinking and to challenge previous intolerance. The current teaching is that the Church of England welcomes all people, regardless of sexuality. However, Church of England priests are not yet permitted to conduct the marriage of a gay couple, but can say quiet informal prayers of dedication over a committed relationship. Clergy are permitted to enter into a civil partnership but must declare that the relationship remains celibate. Gay clergy are not permitted to marry their partner. Those who do, face penalty under the clergy disciplinary measure. The Church's current understanding is that marriage remains a union of one man and one woman. It also teaches that sexual intercourse remains within the context of a committed life-long union as in marriage. This may feel out-dated by some in the wider society and yet stable monogamous relationships provide a life-long stability and emotional support. The challenge facing the church is whether doctrine can embrace that same commitment between same-sex couples and to open up this possibility to its clergy. I hope this book of fiction will enable some to enjoy what I hope is a good read. I hope it may make some stop and ponder current teaching. I hope some may even be challenged.