😞

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/fundamentally-awry-bishops-block-move-to-reject-same-sex-marriage/ar-AAX8riJ?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c457eb1f7c8a464183b2ecb1f7cb56cd

@ned

I wonder.

On one hand, the reason that the laity/clergy are holding firmer is because the evangelical bible colleges have been overwhelmingly getting students from the few faithful churches. These orthodox people are committed to the truth of the Bible and letting it speak for itself, not "reinterpreting" it to suit the times. The committed ones then become preachers and influence churches toward stronger convictions and doing what's right, even when it's hard.

The liberal Anglican churches, OTOH, have mostly been more full of old people and people who just go to church to practice religion, feel good and not generally out of strong commitment to God's version of things.

However ... in the last few years, there have been serious attempts to liberalise (and from my perspective, corrupt) the bible college students so they come out of colleges like Ridley with less courage and conviction, and more of a jellyfish approach to faith.

It will be interesting to see whether that is countered, and how it plays out.

@rose_myrtle

Personally I see a difference in the definition of the word "Marriage" as used by God, and by the state. If the state chooses to validate a status called marriage for gay couples that is fine by me. It is NOT the same thing as a holy union between a man and a woman. It is just something that bares the same name.

Both sides of this discussion appear to be actively trying to blur the 2 together.

@rose_myrtle I see the liberalization of the church and bible colleges as part of this same blurring problem. Some use it to try and maintain traditional conservative hegemony. Progressives believe they are updating the church to be more approachable.

But the Church should not be expected to conform to secular ideals, and should in fact actively avoid such things. We are not of the world. And shouldn't seek such things.

@ned @rose_myrtle My 2c, the Lutheran church in Australia has had I think 3 synods where female pastors came up. Every time it's been voted down, but my narrower and narrower margins. There is a handful of older conservatives who are holding the line, but it's a matter of time.

We expect some kind of schism when it happens.