The Church has received and articulated an understanding of intimate human relationships which it expresses through her doctrine of marriage between a man and a woman, and is life-long and monogamous.
We uphold this traditional doctrine of marriage. Over many years our Church has become increasingly aware of the pain of the LGBT community. All too often our Church has been complicit in homophobic thinking and actions of society, and has failed to speak out against hatred and violence against those with same-gender attraction.
We apologise unreservedly and commit ourselves to reconciliation and prophetic witness. We recognise a diversity of voices about what constitutes a right ordered intimate relationship between two persons regardless of gender. At this time it is the will of the General Synod/Te Hīnota Whānui to respond to what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Image of wedding bands courtesy morgueFile
