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Time for Love - A Response

19/5/2018

by Bryden Black, Easter 2018

First impressions of this documentary (that is what it calls itself) are that it is first rate, well produced, and with a suitably beguiling sound track (music by Ludovico Einaudi, by any chance). As far as the medium of ‘talking heads’ go, it seeks to present a biblical case for at least same-sex blessings and ideally for same-sex marriage. Its avowed audience furthermore are those who seek themselves to acknowledge a high view of biblical authority. Does it achieve its goals? Apart from dispelling the usual miscues sometimes/often paraded in these discussions (e.g. the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen 19), frankly, in my opinion, no; it fails. Not only did we not actually hear new ground being broken here, the old arguments assembled via an array of interviewees continue finally not to convince. And it fails to convince for a number of reasons, some specifically and others cumulatively. We shall take some specific reasons first.

The full article can be downloaded here.

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AFFIRM Report on General Synod 2018

11/5/2018

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A team of up to 10 people met twice a day in New Plymouth to pray for the General Synod. Thank you to those of you who could not be present but prayed in support also.
Despite the Conservative / Orthodox voice speaking and voting against motion 29, the motion was passed by a majority at the General Synod on the 9th May 2018.
Bishops may, when asked, agree to clergy blessing same gender couples who have had civil union or civil marriage services.
The question of ordination was left deliberately vague and some Bishops will take that to mean that they can ordain someone in a same sex relationship who has been through a blessing service.
Despite this AFFIRM will remain as part of this Church and continue to bring our voice to any future debates.
The AFFIRM submission for new Christian Communities to be established has been accepted
Most importantly any Parish that joins the Community will be assured that future clergy appointments to that Parish MUST have the same theology as the Parish when it joined the Christian Community.
A Constitution for the Christian Communities, already in draft form, is being completed.
The motion from Auckland to review Christian Marriage was defeated.
We will be sending more detailed information on 6 and 7 above shortly outlining where we go from here.
We will be calling meetings of the various AFFIRM groups around the country in the next few weeks to share in detail what AFFIRM will be doing.
In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact Paul Williamson, Lorraine or Pete Lloyd.
It is of the utmost importance that we now turn our focus to how to reach this Nation for Christ and the Church. We know that this is at the top of the agenda for all of us. AFFIRM will now be able to focus on this and the Christian Community network will provide a strong new platform to unite and resource parishes in this mission.

The AFFIRM Team
11 May 2018

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Time for Love - A Response

AFFIRM Report on General Synod 2018

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