OPPOSING VOICES EMERGE FROM ANGLICAN CHURCHES OVER BLESSING SAME-SEX COUPLES

Westminster Abbey, London, England. File photo

Sun 12 February 2023:

The Church of England had announced its decision to bless same-sex couples few days ago but there are signs that the momentous move has divided the global Anglican church. Voices from the Anglican churches, prominently from developing countries, have expressed displeasure at the decision which is being hailed by many to be a positive step.

The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) has now said that Church of England’s new stance “goes against the overwhelming mind of the Anglican Communion”. The GSFA represents Anglican churches in 24 countries and provinces that include Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

Leaders from Anglican churches in the global south are planning to meet on Monday to deliberate on the issue and take a dominant position within the church. News reports suggest that there are plans to relegate Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, to a marginal position.

As quoted by The Guardian, archbishop of Alexandria Samy Fawzy Shehata told the synod that “crossing this line of blessing same-sex unions will alienate 75% of the Anglican Communion” and “lead eventually to impaired and broken communion”. Synod is the governing body of the Church of England.

“God cannot bless what he calls sin. The C of E has departed from the Anglican faith and are now false teachers,” said Stephen Kaziimba, the archbishop of Uganda, as quoted by The Guardian.

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