Anglican Church takes step towards blessing same-sex relationships

Andy Jackson

Tikanga Pākehā archbishop Philip Richardson acknowledged the hurt and sadness the decision would cause some delegates. (File photo)

The Anglican Church in New Zealand has made a big step towards recognising same-sex relationships.

On Wednesday, a majority of church leaders who are gathered in New Plymouth for their biennial General Synod supported a motion to allow bishops to authorise blessings of same-sex relationships.

However, it has yet to be formally adopted.

Paul Rickard

Archbishop Don Tamihere said he couldn't have seen a decision like this made 40 years ago. (File photo)

Tikanga Pākehā archbishop Philip Richardson, of New Plymouth, acknowledged the hurt and sadness the decision would cause some delegates, but said the discussions leading up to the motion were "actually quite beautiful".

"It's been really respectful and graceful," Richardson said. "There are some very differing views and they hold them deeply."

He hadn't expected the decision on the "contentious issue" to reach this point because of irreconcilable views within the church and its three tikanga - Māori, Polynesian and Pākehā - over the past half century.

If the motion is adopted couples would be required to be joined in a civil union or civil marriage to receive a blessing.

"We have gay and lesbian members of our congregation who have committed themselves through civil marriage to a life of fidelity," Richardson said. "There is now a provision where that can be blessed.

"If in that circumstance, where a bishop authorises a priest to do so, a priest will give God's blessing on that civil marriage."

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However, the decision to support same-sex relationships is not finalised and some discussions need to take place before a final vote.

Even then bishops could still opt out, as will all Anglican churches in Polynesia.

Richardson said this was because in some areas of the region homosexuality is illegal.

"It actually puts our Anglican clergy at risk if it was seen that they were able to bless something that is illegal."

But, instead of vetoing the discussions the Polynesian representatives allowed the motion to move forward for the unity of the church.

Fe'iloakitau Kahi Tevi, a member of the working group behind the proposal, said in the Pacific such a change would not be acceptable "but our children may have different views".

He emphasised the strong desire for the church to remain together even if there were different opinions.

"In our difference we find our strength," Kahi Tevi said.

Tikanga Māori archbishop Don Tamihere, of Gisbourne, said that he was "absolutely" pleased "from a cultural and biblical point of view".

Tamihere has been involved in the church since he was 15 and he said that 30 years ago he wouldn't have seen a move like this coming.

"But I always thought that once people got to read the bible they'd understand what it's about," he said. "There's space for everyone."

- Stuff