Vicar Defends Blessing Of Lesbian Lovers (Press, 15 July 1987)
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Summary: Vicar Defends Blessing Of Lesbian Lovers (Press, 15 July 1987)
On 15 July 1987, a vicar in Somerset, England, named Rev. David Arnott, faced controversy for conducting a ceremony to bless a married couple who had separated to pursue other relationships. The couple in question, Marika Biddle, a former nun, and her husband, Nikki, were transitioning into new lives: Marika was to begin a lesbian relationship with a woman she previously knew in the convent, while Nikki and their children were set to move in with a widow named Pat Dutton and her three children. The arrangement has become a topic of shock within the village of Weston Zoyland, where the ceremony took place at midnight. Rev. Arnott, who has served as a vicar for 18 years, defended his actions by drawing parallels to a biblical story involving Jacob, who was blessed to traverse the wilderness despite his past deceptions towards his brother Esau. He explained that although the official blessing had already been given, a second blessing was provided for people navigating challenging paths in life. He described his prayers for the couple and their new living arrangements as a form of support for individuals embarking on unique journeys, rather than a formal sanctioning of their relationships. The vicar clarified that the meeting with the couples and their children was not an official ceremony but rather a time of prayer and reflection as he would offer to friends or contacts in his community. He emphasized that his intentions were not focused on the aspects of sex, marital breakdowns, or homosexuality, but rather on helping people who sought to commit their lives to God despite their complicated circumstances. While the event had generated significant local curiosity and concern, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Rev. John Bickersteth, refrained from commenting on the situation. In essence, Rev. Arnott was advocating for the acceptance of those he believed were seeking spiritual guidance during a time of personal change.
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