Final Terms of Reference for a Commission on the Ordination and Blessing of People in Same Sex Relationships – November 2011

The General Synod Standing Committee at its meeting in November 2011 establishes a Commission to be made up of a small group of eminent people with ability, credibility, and a commitment to work in prayerful collegiality, and to report to the General Synod/te Hinota Whanui on:

(a) A summary of the biblical and theological work done by our Church on the issues surrounding Christian ethics, human sexuality and the blessing and ordination of people in same sex relationships, including missiological, doctrinal, canonical, cultural and pastoral issues; and

(b) The principles of Anglican ecclesiology and, in light of our diversity, the ecclesial possibilities for ways forward for our Three Tikanga Church; and

(c) The implications of (a) and (b) on the place of our Three Tikanga Church as a whole within the worldwide Anglican Communion; and

(d) What care and protection there would be for those who could be marginalised.

(e) The Commission should consider and report on other issues and matters that may arise from their consideration of the above.

The Commission is to report progress to the General Synod/te Hinota Whanui in 2012 but in any event to complete its work and report to the General Synod/te Hinota Whanui by 2014. 

That various bodies of this Church, through the terms of reference, be available to offer the Commission advice on specific matters or questions, including the Doctrinal Commission, the Judicial Committee, the Liturgical Commission, as  well as the bench of Bishops.  The Commission will be free to take such advice and any other advice that it deems appropriate and to receive submissions.