[Anglican Church of Southern Africa] The Anglican Church of Southern Africa has rejected a proposal to allow bishops to approve blessings for couples in same-sex unions in parishes that want to offer them.
The church’s Provincial Synod also voted against approving a set of prayers drawn up by the bishops for providing pastoral ministry to church members in civil unions.
The two proposals were voted down by a show of hands after debate at the synod on Sept. 26.
In his opening charge to the synod, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba asked, “Will we be able to craft a pragmatic, reconciliatory outcome which takes account of the differing pastoral needs for effective ministry in our varied dioceses which are called to minister in widely divergent contexts?”
The proposals that were rejected would have only allowed blessings. One proposal specifically ruled out same-sex marriages under canon law.
Both motions were proposed by Saldanha Bay Bishop Raphael Hess and seconded by Matlosane Bishop Stephen Diseko, who also is dean of the province.