SA Anglican Church refuses blessings for same-sex couples

In what a Weekend Argus report calls a significant decision, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) has rejected a proposal that would permit bishops to approve blessings for same-sex couples in parishes. The church released a statement last week rejecting the idea of permitting bishops to authorise blessings for same-sex couples within local congregations. The church announced that two motions presented at the synod were put forward by the Right Reverend Raphael Hess, Bishop of Saldanha Bay, with support from the Right Reverend Stephen Diseko, Dean of the Province and Bishop of Matlosana. For decades, the issue of providing pastoral guidelines for same-sex couples has lingered in decision-making institutions like the ACSA. However, the decision was also made after Archbishop Thabo Makgoba urged for a compromise that would consider the needs of local congregations and bishops wanting to bless same-sex couples. As civil unions gain legal recognition in SA, the urgency for such guidelines becomes increasingly apparent. Triangle Project spokesperson Ling Sheperd said: ‘We stand for inclusivity and hope compassion, which most religions preach would guide these matters, but in this case, it hasn't.’