General Synod today passed a resolution that will create a pathway towards the blessing of same-gender relationships ”“ while upholding the traditional doctrine of marriage.
It will appoint a working group to report to the 2016 General Synod on “a process and structure” that would allow those clergy who wish to bless same-gender relationships ”“ using a yet-to-be developed liturgy ”“ to do so.
The working group will also be charged to develop “a process and structure” to ensure that clergy who believe that same sex blessings are contrary to “scripture, doctrine, tikanga or civil law” to remain fully free to dissent.
The “process and structure” in their case would mean these clergy would not only be exempt from performing these same-sex blessings ”“ but that their “integrity within the church” would be assured, and they would have full protection for their dissent in any relevant human rights legislation.
Synod has therefore upheld the traditional doctrine of marriage ”“ but also moved to find ways to respond to committed relationships between two people, regardless of gender.
My but they have studied EcUSA tactics well. Pity ABC Welby is so far behind, eh?
Heresy by increments. Make no mistake, this will be obligatory in ten to twenty years. Any “guarantee” of conscience protection is not worth the paper it is printed on.
True. And there will be many “moderates” in New Zealand who will mouth the platitudes and encourage others to go along with this, just as there was in the church in USA, and just as there is now in England.
It’s not a way forward. It’s a way to hell.