While I doubt that I would agree with Giles Fraser, vicar of Putney, over many aspects of his religion, he has always struck me as a particularly humane and sensible man. That feeling was confirmed when I read his latest column in The Guardian railing at the Bishops of the Church of England who have declared that "civil partnerships are not a form of marriage". As he says:
Many bishops want the image of homosexuality confined to public toilets – so much easier to condemn. Consequently, clergy have been forbidden from blessing civil partnerships. We can bless battleships, and cats and dogs at the pet service: just not gay couples wanting to commit to a lifelong relationship.
I think he’s just as exasperated as I am over their crass idiocy.
