The Anglican Church of Southern Africa's highest decision-making body, the Provincial Synod, has rejected two proposals aimed at increasing inclusion of LGBTQIA+ members. The first proposal, from the Diocese of False Bay, sought to allow Anglican churches to pray for members in committed same-sex unions. The motion was defeated by seven votes, with 78 voting against it, 71 in favour, and 10 abstaining.
The proposal was brought by Dr Ashley Petersen and seconded by Bishop of False Bay Strafford Moses. It asked the Synod to allow members of the church in committed same-sex unions to be prayed for within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA). The motion acknowledged that previous decisions by the church may have caused pain to people who sought inclusion, recognition, and pastoral care.
During the Synod, Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba called for greater inclusion in the church. He pointed out that the church already offers prayers for various things, saying, "We pray for trees, we pray for cars, we pray for avocados." Makgoba's comments were made in the context of his final Provincial Synod as Archbishop, which he opened on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
A second motion, from the Diocese of Johannesburg, proposed compiling a separate liturgy to serve the pastoral needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. The motion specifically sought to distinguish such a liturgy from marriage, thanksgiving for a marriage, reaffirmation of vows, and the blessing of a civil union. It was proposed by Rev Dr Matthew Wright and seconded by Tebogo Molefe.
The second motion was defeated by a wider margin, with 98 voting against it, 61 in favour, and 10 abstaining. The votes took place during Makgoba's final Provincial Synod as Archbishop. In his opening address, Makgoba thanked his family for their support during his years leading the church.
The outcome of the votes has significant implications for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa's stance on LGBTQIA+ issues. The church's position on same-sex unions and LGBTQIA+ liturgy remains unchanged, despite calls for greater inclusion. The decisions were made during a critical period for the church, with Makgoba's tenure as Archbishop coming to an end.
The Anglican Church of Southern Africa's decision reflects the ongoing debate within the Anglican communion on issues related to human sexuality. The church's stance is likely to continue to be a subject of discussion and controversy in the years to come.
Key points
- The Anglican Church of Southern Africa's Provincial Synod rejected proposals for prayers for same-sex unions and LGBTQIA+ liturgy.
- The first proposal was defeated by seven votes, while the second motion was defeated by a wider margin.
- The decisions have significant implications for the church's stance on LGBTQIA+ issues.
