Floods are judgment on society, say Anglican bishops*

By Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:50pm BST 30/06/2007

The summer floods are God's judgment on the immorality and greed of
modern society, claim senior Church of England bishops.

Bishop of Carlisle: Floods are judgment on society

The Bishop said pro-gay laws were to blame for the floods

One, the Bishop of Carlisle, even said that the introduction of pro-gay
laws had provoked God to send the storms that have left thousands homeless.

The bishops argued that while those affected are innocent victims, the
flooding was a result of western civilisation's decision to ignore
biblical teaching. The Rt Rev Graham Dow, said that the floods were not
only a result of a lack of respect for the planet, but also a judgment
for decadence.

"This is a strong and definite judgment because the world has been
arrogant in going its own way," he said. "We are reaping the
consequences of our moral degradation, as well as the environmental
damage that we have caused."

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, previously seen as a
future Archbishop of Canterbury or York, said: "People no longer see
natural disasters as an act of God. However, we are now reaping what we
have sown. If we live in a profligate way then there are going to be
consequences." God is exposing us to the truth of what we have done."

The Bishops spoke as flood-hit communities were warned to expect up to
two inches of rain - this weekend.