"Sorrow" has been expressed to the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta from its counterparts in Melbourne for its stance on same-sex blessings, despite a call for "love and inclusion" over the issue.
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The synod of the Melbourne diocese was held over the weekend and member cast their vote on Friday night, although the result was not unanimous.
"That this synod expresses its sorrow to the bishop and Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta for their approval of a liturgy that could be used to bless persons in same-sex relationships at their recent synod meeting (August 30-31)," the motion stated.
The final decision of whether blessings will be allowed will be made by the church's appellate tribunal next year - a hearing expected to be attended by Wangaratta Bishop John Parkes and married couple John Davis and Rob Whalley.
Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies caused controversy last week when he asked those who wanted to change the rules on same-sex blessings to "please leave".
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Wangaratta Vicar General Clarence Bester responded by standing up for the decision of his diocese.
"The Christian message is one of love and inclusion of all God's creation. It is not for any one branch of the church to claim there is no space for other branches," he said.
"We affirm out belief in a God who includes and not excludes, a God who reaches out to others and does not chase them away."
The Christian message is one of love and inclusion of all God's creation.
- Wangaratta Vicar General Clarence Bester
Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier, whose decision it was to send the Wangaratta vote to the appellate tribunal, was more reserved during his opening speech of the synod, saying people struggle to have discussions about human sexuality in moderation.
"It is easy for such discussion to leave some feeling unsafe, others unheard and others left wondering why amongst the many things that urgently press upon us, this debate seems to have claimed such an urgency," he said.
"Same-sex marriage and the blessing of same-sex civil marriages is the singular social issue, amongst those I have listed that has been internalised, as the issue of our times for most churches and certainly within the Anglican church."
He said same-sex married was a polarisaing issue for the the church, but asked member to rely on each other as they work towards the best outcome.
"The Anglican communion has made it clear over the past two decades that while it affirms marriage as between a woman and a man it also affirms the place of LGBTQI people within the life of the church - for some this is a big stretch," Archbishop Philip Freier said.
"We know that there are passionately held views around how this is or even can be done."