The Bible and Same-Sex Marriage: An Overview from Ridley College

“Our purpose in writing this brief letter is to support our fellow Anglicans in wrestling with this issue by offering a summary of the scholarly discussion over what the Bible teaches on homosexuality, and an explanation for why we believe the traditional path on marriage and sexuality is the one that Christ is calling us to take.”

– Ridley College, Melbourne, has issued an open letter affirming the Biblical doctrine of marriage.

As David Ould notes, this is a significant contribution to the conversation among Australian Anglicans, especially in the light of the unilateral action of the Diocese of Wangaratta.

The ACL’s Pre-Synod Podcast

Check out the ACL’s 2019 Pre-Synod Briefing Podcast to get a feel for some of the key issues coming up at Sydney Synod.

Produced by the Anglican Church League as a service to members of Synod.

Listen here.

Australia’s Anglican ‘Blessing’ Liturgy – What is it?

“The same-sex marriage blessing liturgy presented to the Wangaratta synod for their approval (and due to be presented to the upcoming Newcastle synod) is not a new piece of work but, rather, heavily dependent upon other similar liturgies first developed more than 20 years ago in the 1990s and earlier. …”

– David Ould takes a look at the origins of the liturgies being promoted in Australia to bless same-sex marriages, and what they claim to achieve.

Where was the press? The new $23 million Falls Church Anglican sanctuary gets zero coverage

“Near the end of 2006, I was working on one of my biggest stories of the year: The mass exodus of 11 Episcopal churches from the Diocese of Virginia, the nation’s largest Episcopal diocese.

It was a huge story and it wasn’t completely certain that on that sunny, cold Sunday if all the theologically conservative churches in northern Virginia would decide to leave en mass.

They did and this created headlines for weeks after that. The largest church that left was The Falls Church Episcopal (TFCE), a large complex worth about $24.7 million with its new-ish sanctuary, a historic chapel and cemetery on 5.5 acres right in the middle of the city named after it (and only a few blocks from where I lived). Built in 1734, its vestry included George Washington, who was elected in 1763.

Members voted 1,228 to 127 to leave, which doesn’t reflect the fact that some 2,000 people regularly attended there. …”

– At Get Religion, long-time religion reporter Julia Duin gives some context to last month’s opening of the Falls Church Anglican building.

Photo: Falls Church Anglican.

Religious discrimination bill so flawed it cannot be supported, Anglicans say

“The flaws in the Coalition’s religious discrimination bill are ‘so serious’ it cannot be supported in its current form, the Sydney Anglican diocese has warned. …

In a separate submission, the Freedom for Faith group has claimed the bill fails a commitment by the prime minister, Scott Morrison, ‘that the law would not take faith groups backwards in terms of protection of religious freedom’. …”

– Story from The Guardian.

The passing of new abortion laws — Statement from Archbishop Glenn Davies

Anglican Diocese of Sydney

Media Statement

Abortion laws pass the NSW Parliament

I want to thank the people of NSW who have petitioned, rallied and written to their parliamentary representatives during the recent debate on abortion.

Much has been achieved through these efforts so that the Bill that was finally passed by the Parliament is a far better Bill than what was introduced eight weeks ago.

We said at the time that it was unconscionable to attempt to rush this through the Lower House in the originally proposed timeframe, without any public consultation. We are grateful for the time that both Houses gave to the Bill and for the amendments made in both Houses.

Yet we are deeply saddened by the passing of these laws and the abortion-on-demand regime they introduce. The life of both a mother and her child in the womb are precious to God. We must love them both and protect them both.

May God have mercy on us.

Dr Glenn N Davies, Archbishop of Sydney, 26 September 2019

– Source: SydneyAnglicans.net.

Tasmanian Churches oppose Euthanasia legislation

“The Anglican and Catholic churches say proposed Tasmanian voluntary assisted dying legislation ‘normalises suicide’ and ‘threatens the lives of the vulnerable’. …

Anglican Dean of Hobart the Very Reverend Richard Humphrey said there was no ‘more serious ethical decision’ for Parliament to consider than that raised by the proposed legislation.”

– Story from The Advocate.

Milawa “Blessing” Order of Service and Photographs

Although it was said that the blessing of the parties to a same-sex marriage in the Diocese of Wangaratta had been postponed, David Ould reports that some kind of blessing apparently took place last weekend, on Saturday 14th September.

He has published several photos (including this one of Bishop Parkes) and images of the Order of Service.

“There is no mention in the order of service of a blessing for Davis and Whalley and yet it is clear from photographs and the comments of those who were there that there was a recognition and affirmation of the marriage. …”

Related:

Response to a vote by the Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta – Archbishop Glenn Davies.

Dean of Sydney and GAFCON Australia react to the Wangaratta same-sex blessing vote.

Newlyweds John Davis and Rob Whalley given love, but not a blessing, from Anglican church – The Border Mail (subscription).

“Saturday’s service included a moment where Bishop John Parkes laid his hands on the couple then invited others to follow, creating a power affirmation.”

‘A virus in the Australian national church’ – Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies calls out revisionist mavericks

Archbishop Glenn Davies was today’s guest on The Pastor’s Heart.

Well worth watching.

Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies shares openly about –

On the sexuality crisis in the Australian Anglican Church, Dr Davies –

Finally Dr Davies reflects on his own time as Archbishop in the lead up to his final Synod. Dr Davies says he’s been inspired by the boldness of Paul, and is so thankful for those many people who have prayed for him.

ACL Synod Dinner 2019 Bookings Open

The Anglican Church League invites you to the 2019 ACL Synod Dinner.

Monday 14th October, 5:30pm (or when Synod rises), at the Bishop Barry Centre, 51 Druitt Street, Sydney.

Hear the Rev Jay Behan speak on “Gospel decisions in a compromised age – the NZ situation”.

Jay Behan is the Bishop-elect of the Diocese of the Church of Confessing Anglicans Aotearoa/New Zealand.

(Click here for an interview with Jay Behan on The Pastor’s Heart. He discusses leaving the Anglican Church in New Zealand and the formation of the new Diocese. He will be consecrated a few days after the dinner.)

Dinner bookings are essential.

To come, please book by Wednesday October 9 by pre-paying $25 via PayPal, Mastercard or Visa online at this link.

Peter Jensen interviewed on Living through the Word podcast

Archbishop Peter Jensen was interviewed earlier this month on the Living through the Word podcast of Bishop Julian Dobbs (Anglican Diocese of the Living Word in the USA).

Peter speaks about Sydney, GAFCON, and his own background.

Battery hens given more thought than babies

“With just days to go before New South Wales Upper House MP’s vote on the Bill which would allow abortion right up until birth, a rally has been told Legislation to outlaw cruelty to chickens was given more consideration.

Thousands of Christians and other opponents of the legislation gathered at Hyde Park  on Sunday afternoon, 15th September, under the banner ‘Stand for life, Love them both’…

There was well over eight thousand people at the rally including Sydney Anglicans, Catholic church groups, Greek Orthodox churches and Armenian community members as well as other faiths.”

– Story and image from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Watch Archbishop Davies’ address (admittedly, the video and audio quality is not wonderful) –

Also, you can use the Australian Christian Lobby’s portal to e-mail all members of the NSW Upper House – or you can contact them individually.

Wangaratta Blessing “Delayed”

“The Border Mail is reporting tonight (to be published tomorrow morning) that the liturgy for blessing the parties to a same-sex marriage will not be used this Saturday.

The delay is in response to the Primate’s request not to carry out the service until the Appellate Tribunal has considered the matter. …”

– Report from David Ould.

Latest Northwest Network – fuel for prayer

The latest Northwest Network, from the Diocese of North West Australia, is now available for your encouragement to to fuel your prayers for the people of the north west. Dated August 2019.

900kb PDF file.

Dean of Sydney and GAFCON Australia react to the Wangaratta same-sex blessing vote

At today’s The Pastor’s Heart, Dominic Steele speaks with the Dean of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, about the decision of the Diocese of Wangaratta to reject the Biblical doctrine of marriage.

See also:

Statement from Gafcon Australia – 9 September 2019

The Board of Gafcon Australia expresses its dismay over the decision of Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta to make provision for the blessing of same-sex marriages. We believe this has torn the fabric of our communion within the Anglican Church of Australia.

This decision is contrary to the teaching of Scripture about the nature of human sexuality and marriage. It is also contrary to the doctrinal position of the Anglican Church of Australia. General Synod has repeatedly affirmed that marriage is a lifelong exclusive union between a man and a woman. The Bible does not allow the blessing of any sexual relationship which is not marriage between a man and a woman.

Contrary to the views expressed by Bishop Parkes, the Anglican Church of Australia has always been a church that confesses its faith. Every deacon, priest and bishop has declared their faith and pledged their commitment to our doctrine at their ordination. This confession includes adherence to the Holy Scriptures, the Creeds, the Book of Common Prayer and the 39 Articles of Religion. Bishops are required to “correct and set aside teaching that is contrary to the mind of Christ”.

The resolution in Wangaratta is emblematic of a move in the Anglican Church of Australia away from our doctrine. Several Synods have now passed motions calling for services of blessings of same-sex marriage. Moreover, the Synod of the Diocese of Grafton showed its theological drift in June this year, by voting against affirming “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.”

We therefore extend an invitation to any member of the Anglican Church of Australia, including those in the Dioceses of Wangaratta and Grafton, who are troubled by these developments, to contact Gafcon Australia atinfo@gafconaustralia.org or any of the Board members listed below.

Gafcon Australia is a growing movement of Anglicans across the breadth of the Australian Church, who uphold and promote orthodox, biblical teaching. Our aim is to provide mutual encouragement, fellowship and support for those who are committed to the same, both those who feel out of step with their Bishop and/or Synod, and those who are committed to working within the Anglican Church of Australia for biblical faithfulness. We are glad to affirm our commitment to the doctrine and order of the Anglican Church of Australia as it has been handed down to us. For more information see www.gafconaustralia.org

Gafcon Australia Board

The Rt Rev Dr Richard Condie (Chair), Tasmania; the Most Rev Dr Glenn Davies (Deputy Chair), Sydney; the Rev Stephen Carnaby, Tasmania; Mr Philip Gerber, Sydney; the Rev Paul Hunt, Adelaide; the Rev Joshua Kuswadi, NT; Mrs Fiona McLean, Melbourne; the Very Rev Kanishka Raffel, Sydney; the Rev Trevor Saggers, North Queensland; Dr Laurie Scandrett, Sydney; Dr Claire Smith, Sydney; the Rev Peter Smith, Perth.

– Source: GAFCON Australia.

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