Kota Kinabalu: The Anglican church here will not allow same-sex marriages to take place on its pre\u00c2\u00admises, said newly installed Anglican bishop Melter Jiki.<\/p>\n
The 50-year-old bishop, who is the first native Kadazan chosen to lead the 90,000-strong Anglican community in the state, said this when asked about the church\u2019s policies and what to expect during his tenure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are totally against the so-called same-sex marriage. We will not allow it in the church,\u201d\u009d said the father of four who was installed as the sixth Anglican bishop in Sabah on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Some Anglican churches in European countries have accepted gay marriages and even performed the ceremony in their churches.<\/p>\n
Bishop Melter said while other Anglican dioceses and provinces decided to ordain women to the priesthood, South-East Asia had not taken the step yet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not ready for such a move.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also not sure whether we will be open to the idea any time soon,\u201d\u009d he said.<\/p>\n
Bishop Melter was appointed bishop of the diocese on Feb 20, replacing the late Bishop Albert Vun who passed away on July 15 last year.<\/p>\n