he Archbishop of Wales today (August 2) welcomed the Lambeth Conference Call affirming the dignity of all people.
In a statement, Archbishop Andrew John, said he would never shy away from opposing discrimination against people on the basis of their sexualities and gender identities but remained committed to listening and walking together with those in the Anglican Communion who disagreed with him.
The full statement follows.
Archbishop John also commended a letter issued to all bishops by the Archbishop of Canterbury ahead of the discussion for having a “unifying effect” on the Conference.
Archbishop’s statement
“So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.”Ephesians 2:19“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”John 13:34
God is Love! This love revealed by Jesus, described in the Scriptures and proclaimed by the Church, is Good News for all, without exception. The Bible teaches us that LGBT+ people are a precious part of God’s creation, for each of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” (Psalm 139.14) and each of us is loved equally. I welcome the Lambeth’s Call affirming of the dignity of all people.
I recognise that many LGBT+ people have been wounded by the Church throughout history, and also by the events of the last few weeks. I wish to affirm the holiness of their mutual love in committed relationships.
I commit to working with our friends in Christ across the Communion to listen to their stories and understand their contexts, which vary greatly. I will never shy away from opposing discrimination and prejudice against children of God on the basis of their sexualities and gender identities.
Together, we will proclaim Christ’s healing and hope to our broken world and pray for the day when the Church will truly welcome, value and affirm all the people of God. With all bishops of the Communion I remain committed to listening and walking together despite our disagreement on this issue.
+Andrew Cambrensis
