15 May 2014
Anglican Church moves closer to same gender blessings and ordination
Same gender blessings and ordination in the Anglican Church have moved a step closer to reality following the General
Synod held in Waitangi on 14 May. However, the Church still has a long way to go says Rev Helen Jacobi, Vicar at St
Matthews in the City.
“Behind the church’s deliberations on same gender blessings are real people,” says Rev Jacobi.
“While the General Synod is to be commended for taking a step forward, seen from the perspective of the people affected,
those faithful gay and lesbian Anglicans wanting to be married or wanting to be ordained, it is a tiny step,” she said.
“I waited for the news from the General Synod on my 31st wedding anniversary, in the 22nd year of my ordination. For all
this time I have been affirmed and blessed by the church. My lesbian and gay sisters and brothers have to wait two,
maybe four more years. They have received an apology from the church followed by: ‘wait some more’.
“As a priest and pastor I have to face my congregation to try and explain that this is the good news of Jesus Christ. I
am comforted by the knowledge that there are many in the church ready to move forward and am pleased that others are now
starting on this journey of inclusion. I am grateful for the work of Synod members, yet much work remains to be done in
the years ahead.
“My prayer is for those who continue to be hurt and excluded; we at St Matthew’s will continue to have our doors open
wide.”
ENDS