The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney has issued a call to arms for true believers to oppose same-sex marriage even if they are confronted with hatred and ridicule over their views.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dr Glenn Davies has used his opening address to the Sydney diocese 2015 synod to urge Anglicans to join the national debate around same-sex marriage ahead of a plebiscite on the issue.
"The antagonism of the world to the word of God is perhaps seen nowhere more acutely than in the virulent challenge to the definition of marriage which pervades conversations in the media, the workplace and even in our places of leisure," he has told the annual meeting of church leaders in Sydney.
"The bombardment, both subtle and not so subtle, is relentless."
He took aim at the "majority" of the Labor Party and "several influential members" of the Liberal Party over their support for marriage equality.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is among the advocates for legalised gay marriage.
"There simply is no 'marriage equality' for everyone," Dr Davies said. "Marriage necessarily has boundaries that even the adherents of the facile rhetoric of 'marriage equality' cannot deny."
He cited children, siblings and those already betrothed as examples of existing restrictions placed on marriage.
"Yet we are the ones portrayed as being discriminatory in our defence of marriage, when in fact we are not alone."
Dr Davies said it was time devout Anglican voices were heard on the issue, even if that invited ridicule.
"It is time that all Christians, especially Anglicans, should enter the discussion and graciously and sensitively explain the reasons why our good creator has made marriage the way he has," he said.
"We need to be courageous in our discussions both in private and in public, yet we also need to be sensitive and loving in our defence of biblical truth.
"Yes, it will kindle criticism, provoke ridicule, and invite hatred ... yet such hatred should not silence us."
Dr Davies cautioned against contempt for people who disagreed.
"We must persuade with gentleness ... sincerity and grace, as befits disciples of Christ."
Ahead of the synod, a report by one of the church's senior clergy recommended the church remain in the marriage business, but suggested individual ministers could opt out of acting as celebrants altogether if same-sex nuptials were legalised.
In his speech, Dr Davies also praised the response of the church to the current refugee crisis. He said Anglicare had already collected more than $200,000 towards a special appeal to assist the 12,000 Syrian refugees who are expected to be settled in Australia.
He used his address to comment on the scourge of domestic violence.
"That Christian women are caught in such a vulnerable situation at the hands of those who abuse their responsibilities as husbands is both horrendous and inexcusable," Dr Davies said.
