The decision by the General Synod of the Church of England to incorporate prayers for the blessing of same sex unions in her liturgy has attracted global reactions expressed through Public Statements.
Amongst the Anglican Provinces and organisations that have issued Public Statements was the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA), which commended to the Orthodox provinces and dioceses that are part of her fellowship a number of resolutions for them to consider and deliberate on.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Council of Bishops has also deliberated on both the decision by the Synod of the Church of England and the Statement by the GSFA where the Archbishop was quoted as being a signatory. Upon deep considerations, the Council of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Melanesia arrived on the following regarding its position;
That based on the biblical and traditional teachings on marriage, we disagree well with the
Synod decision of the Church of England in faith and love. Our Foundations of Faith as articulated by Article One of the ACoM constitution declares that the Church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the final rule and standard of faith. The Church also give honour to the teachings of the early Church, especially the decisions of the General Councils of the Church as accepted by the Eastern and Western Church. These are also affirmed by the 1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution 1.10.That in addition to the biblical and traditional teachings on marriage, we also acknowledge that the recognition of same sex unions is contrary to the spirit of the national laws on marriage of the political States that make up the Anglican Church of Melanesia, namely; Solomon Islands, Republic of Vanuatu and New Caledonia (New Caledonia is a French Territory but is within the Diocese of Vanuatu and New Caledonia. If its laws permit same sex unions, the Anglican Church of Melanesia will not recognise these amongst its membership).
That while the Anglican Church of Melanesia will always extend and welcome with the love of God people with all forms of sexual orientation, it does not recognize nor will it bless same sex unions.
That although the Anglican Church of Melanesia disagrees well with the decision by the Church of England, we affirm our commitment to remain an integral part of the Body of Christ within the Anglican Communion global family. We believe greater understanding can be reached regarding our diverse positions through meaningful dialogue by being together than apart. We therefore affirm our commitment and support to the four instruments of unity of the Anglican Communion.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia is committed to engaging respectfully with all provinces within the Anglican Communion to promote deeper understanding on issues in which it has a different view to those taken by other provinces or dioceses. We continue to prayerfully reflect on our positions in various issues affecting our communion and allow God’s Holy Spirit to shed his light and Truth.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia issues this statement with deep Spirit of love, faith and prayers for the UNITY of the Anglican Communion.
Signed
The Most Rev. Leonard Dawea – Archbishop and Primate of Melanesia and Bishop of Central Melanesia
The Rt Rev. Patteson Worek – Senior Bishop and Bishop of Banks and Torres
The Rt Rev. Ellison Quity – Bishop of Ysabel
The Rt Rev. James Tama – Bishop of Vanuatu and New Caledonia
The Rt Rev. Willie Tungale – Bishop of Temotu
The Rt Rev. Benedict Loe – Bishop of Guadalcanal
The Rt Rev. Arthur Abui – Bishop of Hanuato’o
The Rt Rev. Steven Koete – Bishop of Central Solomons
The Rt Rev. Michael Bebeu – Bishop of Malaita
The Rt Rev. Rickson Maomaoru – Assistant Bishop of Malaita
The Rt Rev. Othnielson Gamutu – Assistant Bishop of Central Melanesia
- MEDIA STATEMENT
