Episcopal Church Suspended Over Same-sex Relationships

The Primates of the Anglican Communion has suspended the Episcopal Church from full participation in the life and work of the Anglican Communion for 3 years. This was largely due to the Episcopal Church’s change in practices and beliefs, allowing for same-sex relationships.

The primates of the Anglican Communion pray during Evensong in Canterbury Cathedral on Jan. 11, the first day of their five-day meeting. Photo: Canterbury Cathedral (Source: Episcopal News Service)
So who are the Primates?
The Anglican church is one of many Protestant Christian denominations around the world. Church leaders include lay ministers, parish clergy, bishops, archbishops and primates. Primates are the nominated leader over a country or a region, usually a bishop or archbishop. There are 38 primates around the world. The current primate of South East Asia is the Bishop of Kuching Datuk Bolly anak Lapok; while the primate of Australia is the Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier. Lead by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the primates meet every few years. Matters of importance are discussed.

Same-sex Marriage
In recent years, the Episcopal church has been seen as deviating from doctrine in terms of allowing for same-sex relationships. Changes in Canon Law have been made to allow for such sinful behaviours. In 2003, the church appointed its first openly gay bishop. In 2012, the church started a new rite for blessing same-sex relationships.

Counter-Movement
This troubling phenomenon in the church has bonded together over 290 bishops and over 1000 other lay and clergy participants to stand up for the gospel truth. This included 7 primates largely from Australia, Africa and Asia. Through a conference in 2008, they now form GAFCON – Global Anglican Future Conference.

Primates Meeting 2016
This eventuated to a Primates meeting being called in January 2016. At this meeting, a vote was passed, where more than 2/3 of primates voted to suspend the Episcopal Church from full participation of the Anglican Communion for three years. This means during this time the Episcopal Church cannot represent the Anglican Church on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, and should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.

The primates have also requested that the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a Task Group to “conversation among ourselves with the intention of restoration of relationship, the rebuilding of mutual trust, healing the legacy of hurt, recognising the extent of our commonality and exploring our deep differences, ensuring they are held between us in the love and grace of Christ.

References
[1] Episcopal Church
[2] Anglican Communion
[3] GAFCON
[4] Episcopal Church Digital Network
[5] Anglican Ink
[6] Anglican News

Related Posts
Reflections on a Christian Marriage (2 years and counting!)
Christianity and the Pink Dot SG Event
Same Sex Marriage Legalised... Now what for Christians?
Does not accepting Christianity make one a Christianophobe?

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