As we reported last week, the Synod debated asking the General Synod to introduce same-sex marriage and blessing liturgies. That motion, as expected, was passed along with a number of related matters. What surprised some delegates at Synod was that the following motion was comprehensively defeated:
27. Standard of Worship and Doctrine
That this Synod affirms the authorised standard of worship and doctrine of the Anglican Church of Australia as set out in the Fundamental Declarations and Ruling Principles of the Constitution.
The motion was defeated in a vote by houses with approximately 2/3 of the delegates voting against. This represents a rejection of the fundamental position of the Anglican Church of Australia with respect to doctrine and worship. The synod of Grafton has essentially said “we’ll decide for ourselves what our doctrine and liturgy is”. Those speaking against the motion included the Dean, Greg Jenks.
One member of synod observed to davidould.net that,
Numerous people at lunch time were joking that they are no longer Anglicans and so they can do as they please. There was an air of triumphalism.
Grafton Synod Indicates Rejection of Both National Constitution and Bishops’ Agreement https://t.co/JpsVVr1gh9 pic.twitter.com/PPoulf3gKk
— David Ould ن (@davidould) June 24, 2019