Wed 8 Oct 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Wellington’s St Andrew's on The Terrace says it will defy the Presbyterian Church’s ban on same-sex marriages. The Church’s General Assembly has voted to bar Ministers from performing marriages between same-sex couples, in a long debate following the introduction of marriage equality more than a year ago. St Andrew’s Parish Convenor Sonia Groes-Petrie says the Church’s decision is “deeply disturbing” and it strongly dissents from it. “The Presbyterian tradition is for ministers to have freedom to make decisions about whom they will marry. There is a range of opinions on same-sex marriage within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and [the] decision does not reflect that diversity,” she says. St Andrew’s Interim Minister Jim Cunningham says he is appalled by the decision. “We see sexual orientation and gender identity as irrelevant in the celebration of a couple’s union. It is the quality of the relationship, the love and commitment that matters.” He says St Andrew’s has been blessing the relationships of same sex couples for over twenty years, celebrating civil unions since 2005 and marriages since August last year. St Andrew's Parish Councillor and General Assembly representative Paul Barber adds that it seems incredible that the Church is legislating against love. “It’s embarrassing that religious organisations are the only stumbling block to full equality for same-sex couples.” St Andrew’s on The Terrace is restating its commitment to be an inclusive church, faithful to the gospel message of love and justice. “We have Ministers within our community who are registered as civil celebrants and we will continue to be able to provide a welcoming place for any couple who wishes to marry,” Barber says. “Inclusiveness is of vital importance in the mission of our faith community. We will continue to work towards our vision for our national church where diversity is celebrated and where no-one is excluded.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 8th October 2014 - 8:37am