Australian Anglicans and Christian Political Parties

Monday, May 16, 2022

Written by Alan Vink

Categories: Gospel and Culture

Comments: 0

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Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink
Australian Anglicans and Christian Political Parties

Monday 16th May 2022

CHASTITY' MOTION PASSES AT THE ANGLICAN SYNOD THAT SAYS SEX IS RESERVED FOR MARRIAGE

A second statement sponsored by the Sydney Diocese last week in support of a conservative view of sexuality has been approved in the Anglican General Synod. The House of Laity (unordained delegates) voted to support the statement 62 to 48, joined by the House of Clergy (ministers) by 59 votes to 39. The House of Bishops voted 12 to 11 to support the statement. Given that the Bishops have the last say, this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact it may well turn ugly if it hasn’t already.

Here is an outstanding article written last week by Dr Mark Durie (respected academic and Anglican Vicar in Melbourne) entitled, ‘Whither The Australian Anglican Church?’ What I found so helpful here is the way he placed this issue in the wider conservative vs progressive debate that finds it origins in post enlightenment thinking.

“The fundamental issue is different systems of meaning. Progressives value a humanistic, post-Enlightenment ethic of social justice, downplay the idea of exclusive truth, and seek a flexible and inclusive theology. On the other hand, conservatives find their identity in obedience to a supernatural God revealed in the Bible, adhere to a historical theology which encompasses sexual ethics, and emphasise the supremacy of the Bible in forming doctrine”.

POV. I think every denomination and every independent church should take heed. If you traverse into ‘The Progressive Theological Tent’ you are heading into trouble…….big trouble. When all is said and done where you stand on the Authority of the Bible is absolutely critical to the future of both historic Christianity and to the vitality and health of the Church.

Christian Political Parties

POV. In the coming months I will have a lot more to say about this. But very briefly for now. It isn’t surprising that some more Christian folks are thinking about starting (another) Christian Party to contest next year’s General Election, at least so I’ve heard. Given the pandemic, the rise of conspiracy theories, the influence of the religious far right in the USA and the economic head winds we are now facing as a country it is no surprise to me at all. In the light of that may I remind you. No Christian Party has ever made it into Parliament…….since they began in the 90’s. At the last Election in 2020 the three Christian Parties received together 1.91% of the total votes. New Conservatives 1.48%, ONE Party 0.28% and Vision NZ 0.15% = 1.91% or 54,971 out of a total of 2,886,420 votes.

In a MMP environment people must be free to start a political party if they so wish. Actually it should be encouraged. Think New Zealand First, ACT, The Maori Party, The Green’s. But the 64,000 dollar question is, should Christians do the same. I think Christians have already answered that question for themselves. Given that there are at least 20% of eligible voters who are Christians in NZ and the best that we could do in 2020 was 1.9%, (in 2017 - 0.24%, in 2014 - 3.99% and in 2011 - 2.65%), I would suggest the question has been answered.

But as I’ve said……….stay tuned.

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.

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