30th August 2012

Auckland Anglican Bishops comment on billboard

The Anglican Bishops of the Diocese of Auckland believe the St Matthew-in-the-City billboard about gay marriage leaves a confusing message and does not effectively communicate what good relationships are about.

The Bishops say the Anglican Church cares about good relationships and so does care about ‘who is on top’ in a relationship. Bishop Jim White says that oddly the billboard does not clearly convey what St Matthew’s says are the key foundations of a relationship which are mutuality, fidelity and love. "The billboard is a confusing message trading on clichés that I don’t think St Matthews actually stands for."

Bishop Ross Bay says he is disappointed by the billboard but says he is not surprised as St Matthew’s stance on the issue is well known. He says it adds nothing new to a good understanding of the issue. "This is a time for listening to one another and for careful conversations about a sensitive issue. Those conversations are getting underway in Parliament and wider society and in the church," says Bishop Ross Bay.

The Bishops say the opinion expressed by the billboard is that of the St Matthew’s congregation and is not representative of the Diocese or the wider Anglican Church. The Bishops are encouraging the church and the wider community to have respectful conversations that lead to a greater understanding of the issue as it is currently before Parliament.

ENDS

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