Using 'Father' in Lord's prayer 'problematic' - Archbishop

The Archbishop of York has raised concerns about the opening words of the Lord's Prayer, a significant Christian prayer recited worldwide for centuries, due to their association with patriarchy. 

During his address to the General Synod, the Church of England's governing body, Stephen Cottrell focused on the phrase "Our Father," which initiates the prayer based on passages from the New Testament. 

Cottrell acknowledged that the term "father" can be problematic for those who have experienced abusive or destructive relationships with their earthly fathers and for anyone affected by oppressive patriarchal systems.

While Cottrell's comment, made in the context of advocating for unity, will generate divergent opinions within the Church of England, which has been visibly divided on matters of sexuality, identity, and equality for years, it prompts reflection on the broader issue. 

Following Cottrell's speech, Canon Dr Chris Sugden, chair of the conservative Anglican Mainstream group, highlighted that Jesus encouraged people to pray to "our father" in the Bible. 

Sugden questioned whether the Archbishop of York was suggesting that Jesus was mistaken or lacking pastoral awareness, implying that some church leaders prioritize cultural influence over scriptural guidance.

Rev Christina Rees, an advocate for female bishops, supported Cottrell's remark, stating that it addresses a longstanding concern for Christians. She posed a fundamental question: Does God truly believe that male human beings reflect His image more fully and accurately than women? Rees firmly rejected this notion. 

In February, the Church of England announced its consideration of gender-neutral language, following requests from priests to use inclusive terms instead of exclusively referring to God as "he." 

Recognizing that God is neither male nor female, the Church initiated a commission on gendered language to align its worship with the diverse descriptions of God found in scripture.

While Cottrell's speech primarily focused on the word "our" rather than "father," emphasizing the need for more fraternal and sororal discussions among the contentious synod members, the Church of England faces ongoing divisions. 

Cottrell admonished the synod members for their persistent lack of reconciliation, complacency towards division, and readiness to fragment further. He criticized the normalization of disunity, highlighting its disgraceful nature and its contradiction to the mission of Christ.

Among the divisive issues within the Church of England, same-sex marriage prompted a recent decision allowing clergy to conduct blessings for gay and lesbian couples who have undergone civil weddings. 

The blessings were initially expected to commence this summer after the synod's final approval of prayer wordings. 

However, the presentation of the prayers, along with new regulations concerning the marriage of gay and lesbian clergy to their partners and the possible removal of the current requirement for celibacy among clergy in same-sex relationships, have been postponed until November.