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May 14, 2014 /LGBT News/ The Anglican Church’s ruling body for New Zealand and Polynesia will now look at ways that the blessing of same-sex relationships could be part of church life. The decision was made at the church’s two-yearly General Synod in Waitangi.

A spokesperson says the church held a wide range of views, but unanimously supported looking at how same-sex relationships could be part of the church life.

The church has also apologized unreservedly for the times actions of the Church have contributed to that pain.

“Over many years,” the preamble to the resolution reads, “our church has become increasingly aware of the pain of the LGBT community. All too often our church has been complicit in homophobic thinking and actions of society, and has failed to speak out against hatred and violence against those with same-gender attraction.

“We apologise unreservedly and commit ourselves to reconciliation and prophetic witness.”

A working party will be appointed to recommend processes and structures that allow people to choose whether they lead, or not lead, same gender blessings. That choice will be dependent on whether each person believes such blessings are contrary to, or in agreement with scripture, doctrine, tikanga or civil law. The working party would also propose a liturgy to bless right ordered same gender relationships.

The working party will report to the next General Synod in 2016.  However, any recommended changes approved by the Church would not be implemented until 2020 at the earliest.