Perth Anglicans voted overwhelmingly to recognise same sex relationships last weekend, creating a challenging decision for Archbishop Roger Herft.
The Church’s Synod voted with a two thirds majority to recognise and support same sex relationships.
The Reverend Chris Bedding from the Darlington / Bellevue parish out forward the motion calling for the Diocese of Perth to recognise same sex marriages if the government changes the marriage law.
The motion does not call for the church to perform same sex marriages, but states that if the government were to allow formal recognition of same sex marriages the church is happy for these to co-exist alongside to traditional marriages between a man and a woman.
The Archbishop of Perth, Roger Herft now has a month to either veto the proposal or allow it to become the church’s official position. A similar motion was out forward last year and was vetoed, but support for the proposal has increased dramatically over the last twelve months.
Marriage Equality advocates welcomed the proposal and it’s level of support. Ivan Hinton, acting Director of Australian Marriage Equality said that the results are reflective of the ever increasing community support to achieve social justice in Australia.”
“Support for the legal recognition of the relationships of same-sex couples is strongly held by many Australians, including people of strong and sincerely held Christian faith.” Mr Hinton said.
OIP Staff
Image: Stock Image YayMicro|clearviewstock
