Anglican Church stalls progress on same gender blessings.

Today the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia chose unity over justice.

It chose to not pass the proposal before it to allow for the church to move towards the blessing of same gender marriages. Instead the proposal "lies on the table" which means the Synod comes back to it in 2 years time, allowing time for further work.

The Synod has allowed the views of "conservatives" to rule, rather than working for the just inclusion of all faithful people in the life of the church. 

In my 24 years as a priest I have always been proud of my church. Today I hang my head in shame. 

We have chosen rules over love, and doctrine over gospel. We have imperilled the mission of the church.

There were strong voices for change from many parts of the church but not enough.

Ar St Matthew-in-the-City we will continue to welcome our LGBTI community and assure them of their place in our church and in the heart of God. We will not abandon them and will continue to work for justice. To them today we express our deep sorrow and seek their forgiveness.

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