One of New Zealand's most powerful Anglicans has criticised the Anglican Church's rejection of same-sex marriages, saying it "is not an expression of Christian love". Bishop Richard Randerson said he would perform a civil union or same-sex marriage ceremony if it was permitted, but he did not think the church would change during his time. During an interview with the Weekend Herald, Bishop Randerson cried as he spoke of the parents of gay and lesbian children who felt rejected by the church because of its stance and how they had thanked him for making them feel wanted through his opposition. Bishop Randerson said he knew homosexuals in the church, including a close friend of 35 years, who had profound Christian conviction and "to say you've got it wrong, mate, I just couldn't do that". He accepted it was not the church's view, but he believed the morality of a relationship was found by the love within it, not the gender of the people. He believed the church would change its stance, but not for years. Bishop Randerson is an ordained priest of 42 years, now dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell and assistant bishop of Auckland. He also admits that he is an agnostic who does not believe Adam and Eve were real, or that there is any proof the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus in a "gynaecological miracle". He knows his spiritual views may be seen by some as heresy, to which he responds: "All I would ask is that they have respect for other views in the church that are just as conscientiously and passionately held," he said. "I'm not just some wishy-washy non-believer as they would like to make out." Ref: Weekend Herald (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 15th January 2007 - 12:00pm