Thu 15 May 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Helen Jacobi The new Vicar at Auckland’s inclusive St Matthew-in-the-City says while same-sex blessings and ordination have moved a step closer to reality, the Anglican Church still has a long way to go. The Church has announced it will “explore ways that the blessing of same gender relationships could be part of Church life”, however any change is likely to take at least four years. Reverend Helen Jacobi from St Matthew-in-the-City points out that behind the church’s deliberations on same gender blessings are real people. “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 says. “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.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 15th May 2014 - 3:29pm