Archbishop of Cape Town ‘deeply pained’ by Church vote to reject of same-sex blessings
By Will Stroude
The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has spoken of his disappointment at his Church’s recent decision to not bless same-sex unions, according to Christian Today.
He opened up about the “pain” he felt at the decision after the Provincial Synod rejected calls to approve blessings for same-sex couples.
He said: “I was deeply pained by the outcome of the debate. I was glad I wear glasses or the Synod would have seen the tears.
“I wanted to be anywhere but in the Synod hall – I wished I was at home quietly in Makgoba’s Kloof.
“If one of you, my church members, is in pain, then I am in pain too. The pain on both sides of the debate in Synod was palpable and no one celebrated or applauded the outcome.
“There are no winners or losers in the Kingdom of God, and we recognised that whichever way the vote went, there was going to be pain.
He went on to urge LGBT Christians to remain faithful, adding: “You are loved by God and all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.
“We recognise that many of you are baptised and confirmed members of the Church and are seeking the pastoral care, moral direction of the Church, and God’s transforming power for the living of your lives and the ordering of your relationships.
“We urge you to stick with us to play your full part in the deliberations to come.”
Same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since 2006. Despite this, Anglican bishops voted 16 to six against the motion to bless same-sex marriage, the laity 41 to 25 against and the clergy 42 to 34 against.
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