John Howard and the Myths of the 2004 Marriage amendments
“The debates over redefining marriage in Australia have acquired in recent years some high profile “myths” or, to use the modern parlance, “memes”, which are regularly repeated.
One of the most enduring is that the battle for same sex marriage is impeded by a supposedly shocking set of amendments to the Marriage Act 1961 which were made by conservative Prime Minister John Howard in 2004.
To take some recent quotes which illustrate the points:
“It was the Howard Government that in 2004 changed the Marriage Act to specifically refer to marriage being “the union of a man and a woman,” locking out any possibility to include gay couples in the definition without a change in the law.”
“[T[his weekend marks the twelfth anniversary of John Howard’s amendments to the Australian Marriage Act. You know, those amendments that didn’t require a plebiscite? Those amendments that made it a legal requirement for celebrants to remind champagne-tipsy wedding parties around the country that marriage was between a man and a woman at the exclusion of all others?”
There are two ‘myths’ being presented here…”
At Law and Religion Australia, Neil Foster tackles two oft-repeated myths –
“Myth 1: the 2004 amendments redefined marriage” and “Myth 2: Celebrants reading out the words”.
Anglican Mission in England Pioneering Plan
Here’s an encouraging video on AMiE’s plans to plant 25 gospel-focussed churches in England by 2025 and 250 by 2050.
Diocese of Toronto elects first ‘openly gay, partnered’ suffragan bishop
News from the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Toronto –
“After many hours of prayerful consideration, the Rev. Riscylla Walsh Shaw, the Rev. Canon Kevin Robertson and the Rev. Canon Jenny Andison were elected suffragan bishops in the Diocese of Toronto at St. Paul, Bloor Street on Sept. 17.
[Bishop-elect Robertson said after the election], ‘It’s no secret that I’m the first openly gay, partnered bishop-elect in the diocese and perhaps in the Canadian church as well…”
– Report and video from the Diocese of Toronto.
Science and the Bible, debates about committees, hope and courage in mission
“Another week, another revisionist Church Times leader article penned by an academic heavyweight.
This time a consultant psychiatrist and Professor of Theology insists that we need to allow the latest scientific findings to inform our understanding of Scripture…”
– Anglican Mainstream’s Andrew Symes comments the state of the Church of England.
Related: GAFCON UK Statement following the appointment of a ‘Bishops’ Reflection Group’ on homosexuality.
Evangelical Fellowship in the Church in Wales responds to Archbishop Barry Morgan
From GAFCON:
The Archbishop of Wales, the Rt Revd Barry Morgan, has recently claimed that ‘sex properly belongs’ in committed same sex relationships and that the Bible can be interpreted as supporting such relationships, but the Evangelical Fellowship of the Church in Wales considers these remarks to be a licence to disregard biblical authority.
The Governing Body of the Church in Wales met in Lampeter 14th -15th September, 2016. Following the press coverage of the Archbishop’s address, the executive committee of EFCW responds as follows:
We want to wish the Archbishop well in his retirement. We note the Archbishop’s final presidential address at Governing Body, and still struggle to understand how his approach to scripture is not just licence to disregard its authority. We believe that the inclusivity of Jesus, to which the Archbishop referred, was one not only of loving everyone, but also of calling everyone to a degree of repentance which would result in following him exclusively as Lord. We note Jesus gave an invitation to everyone, but warned repeatedly and frequently of consequences for those who rejected him. We are therefore delighted that one of the closing discussions at Governing Body got people talking about the need to engage in mission and evangelism. We hope and pray that these are the issues that occupy the time and energy of the Church in Wales in the years to come.
16th Sept 2016. (Source: Evangelical Fellowship of the Church in Wales.)
Photo: The Church in Wales.
Presbyterian Church of Australia re-affirms the biblical view of marriage
Here’s a post from John Wilson, the newly commissioned Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. In part, he says,
“Wednesday evening saw the reaffirmation of the Presbyterian Church of Australia’s resolute commitment to uphold the biblical and traditional view of marriage … For the sake of transparency, we held the debate in public. We took the risk that our debate might be disrupted or our decisions misreported.”
Full comments below:
“Wednesday evening saw the reaffirmation of the Presbyterian Church of Australia’s resolute commitment to uphold the biblical and traditional view of marriage. The Presbyterian Church has always believed and still believes that marriage is the lifelong union of one man with one woman, voluntarily entered into, excluding all others.
Through informed and thorough theological debate, the Church demonstrated that it has not moved from its historic position or the commitments expressed in 2013.
This week, the church strengthened its position by declaring that it cannot allow its ministers to conduct celebrations of same sex marriage.
The church went even further this time. It debated the point at which it should withdraw as a denomination from cooperating with the state in celebrating and registering marriages under the Marriage Act. The major alternatives were: at the moment the Marriage Act is redefined to include same-sex marriages (if it is changed), OR, at a later point – yet to be determined – when we are forced by legislation to conduct same-sex marriage. The church chose the second option.
The Presbyterian Church has been at the forefront of the spiritual battle in Australia to uphold and preserve the biblical and traditional view of marriage. It has been resolute in its opposition to same-sex marriage. The church maintains that while God provides forgiveness of, and redemption from, all sin through Christ, he condemns homosexual behaviour, along with all other forms of sin.
For the sake of transparency, we held the debate in public. We took the risk that our debate might be disrupted or our decisions misreported. Sadly, an online article was published without consultation by Eternity News on Thursday morning that placed our position in a different light.
Rev John P Wilson
Moderator-General
Presbyterian Church of Australia.”
Bishop of Ballarat declares support for same-sex marriage, despite Bible’s teaching – report
“Ballarat’s Anglican Bishop Garry Weatherill has declared his support for same-sex marriage and said he opposed the Federal Government’s proposed plebiscite on the issue. …
Bishop Weatherill told the ABC he supported ‘marriage equality’.
‘The local position of this particular bishop is for marriage equality,’ he said.
‘The Bible teaches marriage is for man and woman, that is pretty clear and that is our standard position.
‘But it is saying marriage is good for people and society, and I think whether or not we approve of same gender relationships, we want people to be in strong, monogamous and sustainable relationships that give harmony to their lives and to the community.’…”
– ABC News report, 15 September 2016. Emphasis added.
New Presbyterian Moderator-General
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia is meeting in Sydney this week.
David Cook concluded his three-year term as Moderator-General. Read his final address here.
John Wilson, Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, was installed as Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. He is pictured here with his wife Paula. Read his address to the GAA (PDF).
Archbishop Glenn Davies was present to convey greetings to the Assembly.
Please pray for our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in their commitment to share the gospel of Christ with our nation. (See John Wilson in this video on Presbyterian plans to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with evangelism.)
‘Same-sex marriage plebiscite: Churches allege PM made cash pledge’
“A public firestorm has erupted around Malcolm Turnbull over accusations he pledged millions of taxpayer dollars to Australia’s most senior church leaders to fund their campaign against same-sex marriage.
Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies, one of the country’s most senior Anglican leaders, told The Sunday Telegraph the Prime Minister’s offer to fund both sides of the campaign was ‘unambiguous’.
Church leaders fear the PM will renege on the pledge. They want $10 million to fund a ‘No’ campaign, the same amount offered to each side of the republic referendum in 1999, adjusted for inflation. …”
– Report from The Daily Telegraph. (Photo: malcolmturnbull.com.au.)
See also
Same-sex marriage: Turnbull pledged to fund both sides of plebiscite debate, Archbishop says – ABC News.
Commentary from Andrew Bolt in The Herald Sun.
Malcolm Turnbull and churches at odds over funding of marriage equality plebiscite – The Guardian.
“The Australian Christian Lobby boss, Lyle Shelton, tweeted that he was at the February meeting and the archbishop’s recollection was correct.”
Update from Presbyterian Moderator-General, David Cook:
Moderator’s Comments – Posted 16 February 2016 (Republished 11 September 2016)
(In view of the controversy in today’s paper, regarding funding of both sides for the plebiscite, we are republishing these notes from a meeting with the Prime Minister earlier this year, along with my responses. David Cook)
On Friday 12 February, at the invitation of the Australian Christian Lobby, I joined a delegation to meet Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, in his Sydney office. It was agreed that we confine our remarks to the issue of the plebiscite regarding single gender marriage which will be held, in the event of a coalition victory, soon after the next Federal election.
The issues which concerned us were:
- The framing of the question to be answered in the plebiscite. Would we have input into this so that it did not unfairly encourage the preferred response of either side?
- The question of religious freedom both during and after the debate, if the plebiscite is lost.
- If the Commonwealth was to provide funding for campaigns, how would such funding be allocated? The campaign in favour of single sex marriage in Ireland outspent the traditional campaign, 15 to 1.
- When will the proposed Bill to change the Marriage Act and enable the plebiscite, be available?
- Will the PM do all in his power to ensure equal access to media for both sides of the argument?
The PM was warm and engaging and assured us that he was interested in matters of spirituality and, “enjoys a good homily”.
New website for GAFCON UK
GAFCON UK now has a website.
(Thanks to Anglican Mainstream for the tip.)
Archbishop of Canterbury expresses sadness at death of Bishop David Jenkins
“The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has expressed his sadness at the death of the Rt Revd David Jenkins, the former Bishop of Durham. …”
– Report and photo from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website.
For some background about Bishop Jenkins, see also:
“Anglican sets off a Theology storm”, The New York Times, 28 October 1984.
“A new theological storm brewed in the Church of England today after the new Bishop of Durham, Dr. David Jenkins, compared the Resurrection of Jesus to a ‘conjuring trick with bones.’…
There was no immediate reaction from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, spiritual leader of the 65-million member Anglican Communion.”
and “July 9, 1984: Wrath of God the prime suspect as lightning bolt sparks York Minster blaze”, BT.
“On this day in 1984, a lightning bolt set fire to York Minster’s south transept, destroying its roof and causing £2.25 million worth of damage. …
Some believed that the lightning bolt was nothing less than fiery retribution for the installation, on July 6, of controversial clergyman David Jenkins as Bishop of Durham under the very roof which now lay in ruins.”
First Church of England Bishop ‘to declare he is in gay relationship’
“The bishop of Grantham has become the first Church of England bishop to publicly declare that he is gay and in a relationship. …
Nicholas Chamberlain said there had been no secret about his long-term – albeit celibate – relationship with his partner. …
In a statement, [Archbishop of Canterbury Justin] Welby said: ‘I am and have been fully aware of Bishop Nick’s long-term, committed relationship. His appointment as bishop of Grantham was made on the basis of his skills and calling to serve the church in the diocese of Lincoln. He lives within the bishops’ guidelines and his sexuality is completely irrelevant to his office.’…”
– Story from The Guardian. Photo: Diocese of Lincoln.
See also: GAFCON Statement on the Appointment of the Bishop of Grantham.
“We note with prayerful concern the revelation that Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, is in a same sex relationship.
Our understanding is that the nature of his relationship conforms to the guidelines set out by the Bishops, and that he has not been campaigning publicly for a change in the church’s teaching on sex and marriage. We do not doubt that he has many gifts as a leader and pastor.
However there are aspects of this appointment which are a serious cause for concern for biblically orthodox Anglicans around the world, and therefore we believe that this appointment is a major error.
In 2003, Jeffrey John’s candidacy for the post of Bishop of Reading caused deep divisions within the Diocese of Oxford and beyond, and this news about Nicholas Chamberlain will exacerbate the same divisions within the Church of England and throughout the wider Anglican Communion.
In this case the element of secrecy in the appointment to the episcopacy of a man in a same sex relationship gives the impression that it has been arranged with the aim of presenting the church with a ‘fait accompli’, rather than engaging with possible opposition in the spirit of the ‘shared conversations’.
We remain opposed to the guidelines for clergy and Bishops, permitting them to be in same sex relationships as long as they publicly declare that the relationship is not sexual. This creates confusion in terms of the church’s teaching on the nature of sex and marriage, and it is not modelling a helpful way to live, given the reality of our humanity, and temptation to sexual sin.
The Most Rev. Peter Jensen
General Secretary of Gafcon Global.”
and also: Gay bishop: Appointment of Nicholas Chamberlain ‘major error’ says Gafcon. BBC report.
Adrian Reynolds to be Training Director for the FIEC (UK)
News from The Proclamation Trust:
“The Trustees of The Proclamation Trust (PT) today announce that Adrian Reynolds, Director of Ministry for the Trust since 2009, will be leaving his post at Easter 2017 to take up a role as Training Director for the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC)…”
GAFCON UK responds to Archbishop Nicholas Okoh’s August Letter
“GAFCON UK welcomes and is very encouraged by the Chairman of the GAFCON Primates’ Council’s recent August Letter. In it Archbishop Okoh states that the ‘greatest cause for concern continues to be the British Isles’. We share this analysis and hear Archbishop Okoh’s call on GAFCON UK and the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) to ‘demonstrate that they have the necessary courage and faith in a context which to a large extent they alone can grapple with’.
GAFCON UK has recently been reconstituted precisely to meet the challenges that Archbishop Okoh outlines and is committed to grappling with the departure from orthodoxy in the UK. The AMiE is about to launch an ambitious plan for pioneering church-planting in the context of the ReNew Conference in September, where the aim is to encourage regions throughout England that pioneer, establish and secure healthy local Anglican churches.
Andy Lines
Chairman of the GAFCON UK Task Force.”
– via GAFCON.
GAFCON Chairman’s Pastoral Letter, August 2016
“My dear people of God,
I have just returned from a very encouraging visit to the United States where I met with my brother Archbishop Foley Beach and I rejoice to see how the Anglican Church in North America is growing strong and standing firm.
As the steep decline of The Episcopal Church (TEC) of the United States and the Anglican Church of Canada continues, despite the hope of its leaders that reshaping it in the image of secular culture would attract, we give thanks for the Anglican Church of North America and remember the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ ‘I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew16:18).
GAFCON recognises that the Church is not ours. It belongs to Jesus and it is Jesus who builds the Church through his word. …”
– Read all of Archbishop Nicholas Okoh’s pastoral letter for August 2016 at the GAFCON website.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…