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Anglican same sex decision 'pretty weak'

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 10 May 2018, 7:02AM
The Anglican Church has handed the decision on whether to bless same sex marriages to their bishops. (Photo: Edward Swift)

Anglican same sex decision 'pretty weak'

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 10 May 2018, 7:02AM

The Anglican Church has made moves towards allowing same sex marriage, but one expert doesn't think they amount to much.

Bishops will now be allowed to decide whether to authorise same sex marriages in their area, after the divisive decision was passed down to them.

Many are expected to simply opt out.

However, Massey University religion expert Peter Lineham is unconvinced this is the first step towards same sex marriage being accepted.

He told Kate Hawkesby the road to this has been painful.

"This has been the end point of a extraordinarily long struggle and it's a pretty weak solution."

Lineham, says the "opt out" clause shows the church still has some way to go.

"They're offered that once you are married you can come in and have the relationship blessed if the church approves, if the vicar approves, if the bishop approves, it doesn't seem a great deal really."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER LINEHAM SPEAKS TO KATE HAWKESBY

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