A STATEMENT BY THE BISHOP OF CARLISLE 5 July 07

It is important to note the context for the remarks quoted in the recent Sunday Telegraph front page article.

In the telephone interview, initiated by the journalist, he sought to draw me into offering a statement about in what way the recent floods might be perceived as God’s action or judgment. I unwisely allowed myself to be drawn.

Having an interest in the Book of Revelation, I discussed the connections between firstly the power of institutions to affect moral behaviour, secondly God’s judgment of our behaviour and thirdly the destruction caused on earth which features in those scriptures. It is in this general context that the remarks about strong and definite judgment were made. In considering the possible relevance of this to the morality of the present day I spoke among other things of the “general scene of permissiveness”. The journalist introduced specific references into the discussion. At no stage in the conversation did I use the words “pro-gay legislation”.

The essential point that I was trying to make is that God views human life, the climate, the land and its fruitfulness as all of a piece. We are stewards of God’s earth. If we wish to enjoy its fruits and the harmony of the environment, then we must live in God’s way. This applies in all its aspects, including the whole range of moral and economic behaviour along with environmental care. This integral connection permeates the scriptures and is prominent both in Old Testament thinking about kingship and in the Book of Revelation.

I take this point as a general principle. I had no intention of indicating that God was targeting the places recently affected. Rather I expressed my full concern for those facing such loss and noted the way the Church seeks to help, as it did significantly in the time of the Carlisle floods in 2005.

5th July 2007