The Diocese of Wangaratta has passed their motion calling for the blessing of individuals who have taken part in a same-sex wedding. The voting, reported by prominent supporter of the motion Ven. John Davis (Archdeacon Emeritus of the Diocese), was that 67 for, 18 against and one abstention.
Davis has published his speech in support of the motion.
The “two men” that Davis refers to in his speech are himself and his long-term partner Robert Whalley. The packed country church is to be St Paul’s Milawa. The date is 2 weeks from today – 14 September 2019.
The invitations, sent out with the Diocese of Wangaratta crest upon them, refer to “a service of Morning Prayer with music, prayers and blessings appropriate to the occasion.”
The occasion is what will no doubt be the first of the blessings that the synod has just approved of, with Bishop John Parkes himself in attendance.
While davidould.net has known of this event for several weeks, we have chosen to only publish now that Davis himself has publicised the event. Were Bishop Parkes to preside in any way over this event it would only compound the sense of his break of collegiality with the other bishops of the national church and their hard-won agreement.
It is understood that senior conservative bishops are now almost certain to proceed with disciplinary measures against Bishop Parkes. We’ll try and keep the readers of davidould.net updated on these sad events.
