The head of the Anglican church in Tasmania has spoken out against the motion of Greens’ leader Nick McKim calling on the federal parliament to support same-sex marriage, tabled in the state’s lower house.
Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, the Right Reverend John Harrower said that, “Mr McKim’s call for “Marriage Equality” is disingenuous. What he intends is a redefinition of marriage itself.”
Please click here to read the rest of the statement.
I agree wholeheartedly with Bishop John and really appreciate his clear engagement when many who should also speak are not prepared to do so. What happened to the rallying call (was it 2003?) when Federal Parliament was inundated with Christian delegates and gender-delineating ‘Marriage’ legislation was pushed through both Houses prior to the Federal election?
Have we become too focussed on the external global concerns now, so that no mind and heart space is left for our own backyards… and the children who want to play there in the best possible environment?
I am sure most people think that the “Greens” stand for, primarily, saving the enviroment, keeping a watchful eye on our governments to ensure our enviroment is looked after; I never see much regarding green issues coming from them; they seem to spend more time medling in issues far removed from the enviroment. It would be nice to see them show respect to Christians and what they hold as sacred; instead they flaunt Christian practices to suit their own ends with no respect. Marriage is a sacred act and should not be changed by man.
I am disappointed by the overall level of debate being raised by those opposed to including homosexuals in the institution of “marriage”. If we want to convince the wider public (and the politicians who are supposed to represent the wider public views) we must be more convincing than the article by Bishop John Harrow. I am amazed and disappointed that the Bishop can state (see below):
“I have also consistently supported the recognition of gay and lesbian relationships and have advocated for appropriate legal protection for gay and lesbian couples in areas where there was formerly discrimination.”
I would strongly suggest that we all need to read articles such as Jesus-does-condemn-homosexuality – see URL:
http://apprising.org/2011/03/21/jesus-does-condemn-homosexuality/
Ken Silva pastor-teacher on Mar 21, 2011 .
This article covers what the Bible says about homosexuality, without pulling any punches. We must not water down what the Bible says, or make excuses for such behavior, or pretend that it is not, or is no longer a “sin”. We (as Christians) can’t adopt the stance that we have to be accepting and tolerant of all mankind – or even worse still, condone the sin in any way. We will be criticized by some and called “intolerant” and “homophobic” – but if we are only standing up for, and defending a fundamental Biblical principal from attack by a very vocal minority of sinners, does that make us wrong?, I think not. God does not hate the sinner, but He does hate the sin!
The Australian Government has already removed all discrimination against homosexual relationships in all of its laws, and there is no further action needed. Christians can’t “support” gay and lesbian relationships, and we can’t support the corruption of marriage. Protect and preserve marriage for what it is! This is a valid and defensible goal. Any compromise on the definition of marriage will see the total undermining of this sacred institution given to mankind by God.
I am far more in agreement with the issues raised by the Anglican Archbishop, Peter Jensen (June 2011) – see URL below. These are the principals that we must take to our Members of Parliament (our “elected representatives”).
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/seniorclergy/archbishop_jensen/articles/real_marriage