On Thursday 9th May the Anglican Church in New Zealand (the Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia) agreed to change its canons to allow for the blessing of same sex relationships. 

By introducing this option, it has followed the Episcopal Church of the United States (TEC), the Anglican Church of Canada and the Scottish Episcopal Church in formally rejecting the clear teaching of Scripture as affirmed by Resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference. 

The Gafcon Primates at their meeting in Entebbe last month pledged their support for orthodox Anglicans in the Province and we thank God for the faithful and courageous witness of the Gafcon Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans in New Zealand.

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It is with deep sadness that the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans New Zealand (FCANZ) receives the news that General Synod/Te Hinota Whanui has passed the Motion 29 Report allowing the blessing of same-sex relationships.  While we are thankful for the gracious spirit in which the debate was held, we disagree with the final outcome. We believe the General Synod has acted in a way which leaves behind biblical authority, the apostolic tradition, and the doctrine and practice our church has always held. Upon the passing of the motion General Synod members Rev. Jay Behan (Chair of FCANZ) and Rev. Al Drye immediately resigned.

FCANZ believes that God loves all people, from all walks of life, calling each of us to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ. Sometimes speaking of this love involves saying difficult things that run counter to the culture of today. However we remain convinced that it is good for all humanity and the only place for the church to stand.

In light of the decision of the General Synod we are ready to support people and parishes that cannot remain within this changed Anglican structure.  We will work together nationally and internationally to provide fellowship and support as we look towards new ways and structures of ministering the unchanging good news of Jesus.