wfn.org | Alliance welcomes Lambeth Bishops' vote

["EAUK Press Office" <press@eauk.org>]

                    For Immediate Release  5/8/98
             Evangelical Alliance welcomes Lambeth vote

The Evangelical Alliance UK, which represents a million
churchgoers from 30 denominations, welcomed tonight's vote on
homosexuality by the Bishops attending the Lambeth Conference.

Martyn Eden, director of public affairs, said: "While restating
that there is no place for homophobia within the Church, we
welcome the Bishops' reaffirmation today of the fact that the
teachings of Jesus, the Bible and the traditions of the Church
over 2000 years, give no room for sex outside of monogamous
heterosexual marriage."

Mr Eden said an important distinction had to be drawn between
respect for individuals and acceptance of their lifestyles.

"The Church must respect all men and women made in the image of
God, and therefore homophobia must be opposed. However this is
not the same as accepting or supporting lifestyles and practices
which conflict with the traditions of Christianity and the
teachings of scripture."

Ends
For further information, contact Keith Ewing 0171 207 2116.