Statement from Dr Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney on confirmation of Bishop-elect Gene Robinson

I note with profound regret the confirmation of the election of Canon Gene Robinson to be a Bishop in the diocese of New Hampshire.

By affirming his election the Houses of Bishops and Deputies in the Episcopal Church in the United States have turned away from the traditional teaching of the Christian Church, which is based on the clear teaching of the Scripture.

It is a historic moment in Anglican Communion affairs. This catastrophic decision cannot simply be allowed to pass away into history as a one-off aberration. It represents a time for decision by mainstream, biblical Anglicans around the world, and undoubtedly will result in a significant realignment of relationship within the Communion.

I note that the bishops and clergy in ECUSA who oppose this vote will be meeting in October to determine their way forward. I believe that a special meeting of Primates of the Anglican Communion will be called in the near future to discuss this highly contentious ECUSA vote.

For ourselves in the Diocese of Sydney, we reaffirm our own commitment to the authority of Scripture. The Bible not only rules how we are called to live individually, but also provides a clear expression of the bonds and responsibilities of how we are called to live together.

We emphasise again that we remain in close relationship and fellowship with those who oppose this decision on Scriptural grounds.

CONTACT: Margaret Rodgers, Anglican Media Sydney
(w) (61 2) 9265 1507
(m) 0411 692 499
(h) (61 2) 9560 9801

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