In the News

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron says he does not believe gay sex is a sin, following questions about his views on the subject.

Mr Farron said political leaders should not "pontificate on theological matters".

But he said it had become "an issue" and that he wanted the focus to be on the general election.

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Did the Dean of Worcester Cathedral not pause to think for just one second how utterly, utterly absurd this would look? Really, words fail (though some must necessarily follow). A sacred procession down the Cathedral nave becomes an infantile pantomime as a block of asparagus is elevated and adored like the Blessed Host, and two men dressed up like Monty Python pay some sort of vacuous obsequious homage. What exactly do we have there? Crusader? St George? And what in the name of all that's holy is a grown man doing dressed up like a jolly green prick? This is church, for God’s sake. Really, for His sake, can the Church of England not offer something clean and undefiled in the worship of God?

England might be a major producer of asparagus, and the Vale of Evesham might be hosting the world famous Asparagus Festival, but where exactly does this stop? Would the Church of England permit a man dressed up as a baked bean to process behind a Heinz tin of the things, and sanctify the mummery with a facade of thanksgiving? And why only adoration of asparagus? Where's the sprout liturgy, or equality for mushrooms? Would the Dean really permit a walking fungus to participate in an act of divine worship?

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Perhaps two decades ago, new postmodern teachings and ways of doing church began to gain a following among many evangelicals in the English speaking world. They were characterized by calls for "generous orthodoxy", and their questioning of traditional understandings of the atonement and mission. They appealed to many genuine believers concerned about some aspects of (as they saw it) the culture of conservative churches, for example rigid adherence to doctrinal formulae without nuance or contextualization, an apparent lack of concern for the poor and minorities, a blandness in worship and lack of acknowledgement of the realities of life. The 'emerging church' set out a vision for Christian faith based on conversation and journey, messiness and inclusion, downplaying or even rejecting concern for biblical doctrine and disciplined discipleship; developing a spirituality celebrating uncertainty and the validity of different theological viewpoints, incorporating insights from other religious traditions; a focus on community not institution.

In the UK Baptist pastor Steve Chalke, having set up his (largely government funded) 'Oasis' organization, in 2003 published "The Lost Message of Jesus" (see review here) in which he denied original sin, labelled the doctrine of penal substitution as 'cosmic child abuse', and redefined mission as 'inclusion'. American Brian Maclaren has gained a large following around the world, and was invited by Rowan Williams to address the Lambeth Conference in 2008 (see here for a review of his book 'A Generous Orthodoxy'). Rob Bell's redefinition of heaven, hell, and several other core Christian doctrines in "Love Wins" (2011 – see review here), continued to mirror increasing divisions in evangelicalism between 'conservatives' and those moving towards liberal Protestantism. Bell's communication skills and uber-coolness led to an increased following among non Christians, and he eventually abandoned Christian ministry to become a self-help guru.

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Asparagus is so venerated in Worcester that it has been blessed in a special ceremony in the city's cathedral.

But the thanksgiving service celebrating the local crop has been criticised by other Anglicans who have called it "absurd".

The bizarre Sunday evensong service was defended by the cathedral's Precentor, who said the vegetable was "a sign of the abundant provision and generosity of God".

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