File Photo New Zealand's Baptist Churches have set up a working party to look at their stance on same-sex marriages. NZ Baptist reports the passing of same-sex marriage legislation in 2013 “has created an ongoing issue” for the churches. “In response, our movement has indicated that churches and pastors should not act as host or celebrant in same-sex marriage ceremonies.” The Baptist Assembly has however sanctioned a working party to consider the matter further. It says it will involve “weighing issues of local church autonomy in tension with participating together in a cooperative movement of churches”. The working party includes religious academic Laurie Guy who was outspoken against marriage equality. Also on the panel are church leaders Ian Brown, Rodney McCann and John Douglas, along with Karori Baptist Church pastor Naomi Compton and Pakuranga Baptist pastor and counsellor Brigitte Crowe. The working party is calling for written submissions on the issue. The movement comes as the Anglican Church of NZ and Polynesia is holding its General Synod, where on Monday night a report outlining its options for blessing and ordaining people in same-sex relationships will be held.A petition urging Anglican leaders to 'welcome all in Christ' can be signed here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 10th May 2014 - 10:34am