Sydney Anglicans are not happy that "members of a regional synod in Victoria" have decided themselves to allow the blessing of same-sex marriages.
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The Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta on Saturday took the lead in the inclusion of the LGBTQIA community in the Anglican Church, with 78 per cent of people voting in favour of the blessings.
The Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies issued a statement in response to the vote and claimed the blessings would "fracture the Anglican Church of Australia" because they were contrary to the biblical view of marriage.
"It is highly regrettable that clergy and lay people in the Diocese of Wangaratta have chosen to follow their bishop rather than the clear words of scripture concerning God's design for human sexuality," he said.
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"The doctrine of our church is not determined by 67 members of a regional synod in Victoria nor is it changed by what they may purport to authorise.
"Time and time again, the general synod has affirmed the biblical view of marriage as the doctrine of our church.
"To bless that which is contrary to Scripture cannot, therefore, be permissible under our church law."
While the new rule is intended to allow blessings of same-sex couples, heterosexual couples married in civil ceremonies can also be blessed by the church.
Bishop John Parkes this week said he understood the Anglican church is under enormous pressure, but many people of younger generations outside the church did not see it as an issue.
He said he was aware vulnerable people in the LGBTQIA community were listening to the debate.
"At least in this diocese, God loves you, god welcomes you and we will bless you," he said.
"It is a difficult matter in the life of our church."
