Anglican church in Polynesia says no to same sex blessings

The General Synod of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia has passed a resolution which recognises that the Anglican Church in the Pacific will not vote for the blessing of same-gender relationships.

A statement from the church said: “We are from the Pasifika context, so the constitutions and cultures of our nations are reflected in our position on this issue. “We have honoured the whole Church’s work on the issue, we have discussed, and we understand that our partners’ decision is located in the Maori and Pakeha context, within the laws and cultures of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The beauty of this decision is that no-one imposes on anyone, this is an authentic representation of our voyage together.” This church has put on record the fact that Tikanga Pasifika is against the blessing of same-gender relationships. However, Tikanga Pasifika chose not to veto the motion which opens the door to these blessings outside the Diocese of Polynesia. The Anglican Church in Polynesia has expressed its desire “not to be an obstacle” or to hinder the progress of the recommendations for Tikanga Maori and Tikanga Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Anglican Church in Polynesia has expressed its desire “not to be an obstacle” or to hinder the progress of the recommendations for Tikanga Maori and Tikanga Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand.