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WA Anglican Bishop Gary Nelson says ‘no’ to same-sex church weddings

Headshot of Liam Croy
Liam CroyThe West Australian
VideoThe decision sparked scenes of celebration from all across the nation.

A WA Anglican bishop has declared he will not allow same-sex couples to marry inside Anglican churches, regardless of the consequences.

Gary Nelson, the bishop of North West Australia, was a vocal No campaigner during the postal survey.

Last month he threatened to stop registering marriages if the ‘Yes’ vote prevailed.

He said yesterday the Church was no stranger to taking a moral stand against the authorities.

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While he respected the result, he said he would not deviate from God’s word by hosting same-sex marriage ceremonies in Anglican churches.

“We would not allow that and I guess we would have to run the risk of any penalties, because that would be contrary to everything we believe in,” Bishop Nelson said.

“It would just seem that’s a terrible imposition to have that freedom taken away from us when it’s our property.”

Bishop Nelson holds the view that gay people, like adulterers, should be encouraged to repent.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure freedoms of religion and speech were not eroded, as they had been in Canada and Britain.

Protections under the Marriage Act should override State anti-discrimination laws.

“I am personally disappointed by the result, because I think it’s not the best for society and it’s certainly not going to be the best for children,” he said.

“I think in the long run we’re really in a sense disregarding natural biological truths in the midst of all of this.

“If you’re a climate sceptic you get howled down, but it seems in this area you can be a biological sceptic and it’s OK.”

Bishop Nelson’s views differ from those of the Anglican Dean of Perth, Richard Pengelley, who launched the Australian Christians for Marriage Equality campaign in August.

Mr Pengelley, who has a gay adult child, said he understood some priests would not be willing to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.

“That’s OK. That’s religious freedom,” Mr Pengelley said.

Catholic Archbishop of Perth Tim Costelloe said the Church’s teachings would not change, despite the “major shift” in Australia’s understanding of marriage.

He said he was disappointed with the result of the survey but he recognised the majority of voters wanted change.

“Marriages celebrated within the Catholic Church will always and only be between a man and a woman who are free to marry according to Church law and who are open to the possibility of children,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“For the Church this is a matter of faith and conscience.”

“Presumably the parliament will now determine how and when this major change to our understanding of marriage is to be implemented.

“In doing so, it is imperative that our parliament ensures that the many people who remain in favour of the traditional definition of marriage are free to speak, teach and act on this belief.”

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