Divine retribution. My contribution

I have just been reading Ian Dales Diary blog and he was facetiously apologising to the flooded people of Sheffield, because his decadence has brought down the wrath of God. It seems that the Bishops of Carlisle and Liverpool have linked the floods to Britain's decadence, in particular the issue of gay marriages etc. Apart from the gobsmacking idea that Church of England Bishops actually mention God (clearly some must even believe in Him or her as the case may be) I'm not sure what to think.

I read Ian Dale's blog daily, the best of the bloggers, and he seems to me to be a decent man with much to say that is worth listening to. I can understand his being offended at the Bishop's comments and I can understand his thoughts that it shows the Cof E is not really in touch with modern Britain. But I also understand the Bible's view of human behaviour that is contrary to God's plan for mankind and I understand that we do live in a culture that is clearly, in many ways, contrary to the way God would want it to be. I'm not really sure that God smites individuals or communities for their disobedience in such a direct way, but there clearly are consequences, though I do not profess to understand the dynamics of the process.

My problem is that my Church has clear and very strong views on gay marriage etc and I subscribe to those views. I do find the blatant exhibitionism of Gay Pride marches and the sometimes evangelical zeal of some gay people offensive; but there are many decent, loving people in committed gay relationships whose example of love and devotion shame many in heterosexual relationships. I am not a liberal Catholic and do not believe that the Church should conform itself to modern values and mores. It should lead not follow. But I am troubled that decent people are offended by our beliefs, which does not invalidate them, it simply makes it absolutely necessary to have what I call a compassionate disagreement.

This is a bit of a ramble but it illustrates the dilemma I feel.