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    Gen Synod Decision

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    JaysonRhodes
    Release on same gender blessings from General Synod

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    Gen Synod Decision

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    JaysonRhodes
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    Release on same gender blessings from General Synod

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    Release on same gender blessings from General Synod

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    618 views2 pages

    Gen Synod Decision

    Uploaded by

    JaysonRhodes
    Release on same gender blessings from General Synod

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    Media Release May 14 2014

    Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia




    The General Synod/te Hinota Whanui of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New
    Zealand and Polynesia has decided to explore ways that the blessing of same
    gender relationships could be part of Church life.

    The ruling body of the Church is meeting in Waitangi this week to acknowledge
    200 years since the arrival of the Christian missionaries to Aotearoa, New
    Zealand.

    The three Archbishops, reflecting the three tikanga structure of the Church,
    Archbishops Brown Turei, Philip Richardson, and Winston Halapua, say the
    Synod upholds the traditional doctrine of marriage. At the same time the Synod
    wants to develop ways to respond to committed relationships between two
    people, that tell of the love of Christ, regardless of gender.

    The Archbishops say the Synod holds a wide range of views but it has expressed
    unanimous support for the decision to identify what changes could be
    recommended. The Synod wants to protect diversity in the Church as a way
    forward is developed.

    Archbishop Winston Halapua says, The Synod is committed to ongoing
    talking/talanoa as it considers change and to follow the mandate of Christ to love
    one another at all times.

    Archbishop Philip Richardson says, We have witnessed across the Church a
    depth of extraordinary trust and respect, there is a unity in Christ in
    conversations that have enabled us to get to this point. There is a hope that this
    trust we have seen with faith, hope, and love will continue as change is
    considered.

    The Synod statement has recognised that over many years it has become
    increasingly aware of the pain to the LGBT community. The Synod has
    apologized unreservedly for the times actions of the Church have contributed to
    that pain.

    A working party will be appointed to recommend processes and structures that
    allow people to choose whether they lead, or not lead, same gender blessings.
    That choice will be dependent on whether each person believes such blessings
    are contrary to, or in agreement with scripture, doctrine, tikanga or civil law. The
    Synod was very mindful that there are present legal restrictions in some nations
    in Polynesia on same gender relationships. The working party would also
    propose a liturgy to bless right ordered same gender relationships.

    A report has also been requested on how such possibilities may impact on future
    requirements for ordination and the rite of marriage.

    The working party will report to the next General Synod in 2016. Any change is
    likely to take up a minimum of four years as it may require
    constitutional change for the church as well as parliamentary legislation.

    The Synod is mindful of the need to respond to members of the LGBT community
    in a more immediate time frame. A decision was made that those in a same
    gender civil union or state marriage can be recognized in public worship with
    clergy seeking the approval of the local bishop and licensed leadership body.
    Such recognition cannot be a rite of marriage or a blessing.

    Archbishop Brown Turei says it is significant that this conversation about change
    for the church, that holds differing views, has taken place at Waitangi.

    This is the place where Maori and Pakeha talked and trusted each other and
    began a new journey 200 years ago. The discussion we will have as change is
    considered, like those first ones here at Waitangi, will not be easy at all times
    but may we hold the mana of each of us made in the image of God, says
    Archbishop Brown.

    All media inquiries
    Revd Jayson Rhodes
    Communications Advisor to the Anglican Church
    021 661319
    [email protected]

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