I won’t be telling anyone what to vote, each person must listen carefully to all sides, free from any condemnation. The Anglican Church considers the Bible as the way God has chosen to speak. The Bible says Christians should not tell the world how to live. It teaches grace; we come to God ‘just as we are’; there is no qualification before we can receive God’s love in Jesus. Our church tries very hard to be inclusive however we regret every time we have failed.
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The Bible does have something to say about marriage, Jesus says marriage is between one man and one woman, in a life-long commitment. The Bible records morally failed people being welcomed by Christ however it does not allow either homosexual practice or same sex marriage. But this instruction is only for those who wish to live the Christian faith. The apostle Paul says ‘What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.’
The church is to promote an alternative lifestyle following Jesus, and as Australians we express our world-view by voting. The Bible’s big message is not ‘no to same sex marriage’; it is about knowing God, forgiveness and hope, learning to truly live life. I won’t be telling the people at church how to vote, but I will be pointing people to the Bible’s encouragement to speak about this gently, without quarrelling; patiently, without anger; wisely and respectfully. Jesus, in his profoundly welcoming way says, come ‘just as you are’, your identity is not totally found in your sexuality, but do not ‘stay as you are’ and offers to meet our deepest need for acceptance with God.
Rev Nathan Killick, Camden Haven Anglican Church
