In this podcast Geno talks about the journey to becoming ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church, and taking a case against the Bishop of Auckland to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
Summary
This recording features Geno Sisneros discussing their journey towards ordination in the Anglican Church and the subsequent case against the Bishop of Auckland at the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Sisneros details their experiences of discrimination and the case's implications for the church's stance on ordination of non-celibate gay priests.
Originating from a fundamentalist Pentecostal background and having shifted theological viewpoints through their time at St Matthew-in-the-City, Sisneros describes encountering a more liberal Christian doctrine which challenged their previous views of God. They discuss the difference between spirituality and religion, highlighting spirituality's nurturing role and its intertwining with social justice.
The interview delves into the history and repercussions of an Anglican policy which precludes non-celibate gay individuals from ordination. The policy arose as a reactionary measure to the worldwide Anglican Communion's tensions following the election of Gene Robinson, an openly gay bishop, in the United States. Sisneros relays their personal struggles and conversations with church leaders about the policy, leading to the decision to take the issue to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
The process, emotional toll, and responses from the tribunal and wider community are explored. Sisneros discusses the balancing act of navigating public scrutiny, the media's role, and the support garnered from various sections of society. They also consider the broader implications for the church's relationship with societal laws and how religious beliefs are influenced by domestic law. The narrative conveys a sense of hope for future church processes to reverse policies deemed discriminatory.
The recording captures a significant period in Aotearoa New Zealand, as it aligns with progressive social developments like the Marriage Amendment Act of 2012. It reflects the challenges and activism within the LGBTQIA+ community and the evolving conversation surrounding religion, equality, and human rights in the early 2000s to the 2010s.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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Tags
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