Southern African Anglicans in conversation on LGBTI pastoral care

September 29, 2016
Cara Modisett

From the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (posted on its Facebook page):

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Provincial Synod is today beginning discussion on a resolution on pastoral care to people of LGBTI orientation.

Proceedings began with Synod going into Conference, with a mediated panel discussion on the issue. Snippets of the debate can be found on the ACSA Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/AnglicanMediaSA

The panel comprised, from left, Paul Germond, the facilitator, Dr Miranda Pillay, a theologian, the Rev Londiwe Zulu, a Methodist minister who spoke from a lesbian’s perspective, & Bishop Martin Breytenbach, who believes that it is too early to take a decision on approving same-sex unions.

The Synod then broke into seven-person groups to carry the discussion further.

Excerpts from Twitter feed:

#Acsasynod now meeting in groups of 7 to discuss issues of LGBTI and same-sex unions. pic.twitter.com/utTy3z7J4l

— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016

"I am a lesbian. I was born a lesbian, I did not choose to be a lesbian. Just as I did not choose to be black." – The Rev Londiwe Xulu

— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016

"Why will the church not allow me to take part in marriage?" – The Rev Londiwe Xulu to #Acsasynod

— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016

"We in ACSA have a lot of work to do before allowing the blessing of same sex unions" – Bishop Martin Breytenbach to #ACSASynod

— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016

But "we must allow God to define what that love and holiness mean.." says Bishop Breytenbach to #ACSASynod

— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016

Bishop Martin Breytenbach of St Mark's diocese tells #ACSASynod the church must love and care pastorally for LGBTI people.

— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016

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John Collins

September 29, 2016 2:53 pm

Prayers ascending that the Church take this bold step forward in recognising married LGBTI clergy and providing prayers of blessing for committed same-gender couples!

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Paul Woodrum

September 29, 2016 10:04 am

Wrong question. It's not "How do we straight people minister to LGBT Christians?" but "How do we get over our bias so we can minister together as disciples of Jesus?" See first the log...

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