From the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (posted on its Facebook page):
The Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Provincial Synod is today beginning discussion on a resolution on pastoral care to people of LGBTI orientation.
Proceedings began with Synod going into Conference, with a mediated panel discussion on the issue. Snippets of the debate can be found on the ACSA Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/AnglicanMediaSA
The panel comprised, from left, Paul Germond, the facilitator, Dr Miranda Pillay, a theologian, the Rev Londiwe Zulu, a Methodist minister who spoke from a lesbian’s perspective, & Bishop Martin Breytenbach, who believes that it is too early to take a decision on approving same-sex unions.
The Synod then broke into seven-person groups to carry the discussion further.
Excerpts from Twitter feed:
#Acsasynod now meeting in groups of 7 to discuss issues of LGBTI and same-sex unions. pic.twitter.com/utTy3z7J4l
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016
"I am a lesbian. I was born a lesbian, I did not choose to be a lesbian. Just as I did not choose to be black." – The Rev Londiwe Xulu
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016
"Why will the church not allow me to take part in marriage?" – The Rev Londiwe Xulu to #Acsasynod
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016
"We in ACSA have a lot of work to do before allowing the blessing of same sex unions" – Bishop Martin Breytenbach to #ACSASynod
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016
But "we must allow God to define what that love and holiness mean.." says Bishop Breytenbach to #ACSASynod
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016
Bishop Martin Breytenbach of St Mark's diocese tells #ACSASynod the church must love and care pastorally for LGBTI people.
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) September 29, 2016