Scottish Bishop defends atheism and promiscuity
The Layman Online, August 30, 1999
The British media say the Scottish Episcopal bishop of Edinburgh has defended his outspoken views on atheism as an acceptable alternative to faith, drug taking, homosexuality and promiscuity and dismissed calls for his resignation.
In his book, Godless Morality, Bishop Holloway says promiscuity may not be immoral and that religion should not feature debates on ethics. He also calls for the legalization of cannabis and champions the cause of homosexuals. Two weeks ago he admitted to experimenting with marijuana and called for a Royal Commission to consider its decriminalization.
In a letter to all clergy in his diocese, the Most Rev. Richard Holloway said that he had responsibility to “encourage theological reflection upon the challenging issues of the day.” Recently, a group of traditionalist priests within the Scottish Episcopal Church accused the bishop of contradicting Christian belief.
In response Holloway said in his letter: “I believe that I represent a considerable body of people who have left the Church. There is a Church in exile out there, consisting of good people who have left us because they can no longer believe the Church’s doctrine or ethics as traditionally interpreted.”
‘Behavior not helpful’
Holloway, 65, conducted a confirmation service August 29 in the Borders town of Duns where the rector, the Rev. Chris Martin, had questioned the bishop’s suitability to remain in his post. Martin said, “His behavior is not helpful for those of us who are responsible for ministering the Gospel to our parishioners.”
In 1998, Holloway said he could fill the Scottish Episcopal Church with “sexual refugees.” He was criticized for failing to uphold the traditional line on homosexuality adopted by the Anglican Lambeth Conference with the support of the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey.
In 1996, Holloway admitted that at times he does not believe in God and described atheism as a “truer faith than much that passes for belief.” He admitted feelings of “absolute atheism” where he became convinced that there was no God and no afterlife. “Real atheism is as much an intuition as faith itself and is like it in many ways. It has some good arguments to support it,” he said.