Statement from the Diocesan Leadership Team of the Diocese of Wangaratta in response to the ‘Please leave us’ article in the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Anglican Church has from its earliest times been a place which accommodates respectful debate and disagreement and the present process is one which gives the Church the chance to have that debate. The Christian message is one of love and inclusion of all of God’s creation. It is not for any one branch of the church to claim that there is no space for other branches. Some used similar emotive language about schism before the Anglican Church ordained women priests and consecrated women bishops and the church has survived and flourished because of both inclusions.
We believe we all belong to the Church of Jesus Christ and this is where we will stay as we continue the work of evangelism and outreach to all of God’s people.
We affirm our belief in a God who includes and not excludes; a God who reaches out to others and who does not chase them away; a God who blesses and does not curse; a God who welcomes the wayward child and who prepares a feast at their homecoming.
The Ven Clarence E Bester
Vicar General of the Diocese
On behalf of the Diocesan Leadership Team
