The leadership of the Anglican Church in South East Asia – consisting the Bishops of Singapore, West Malaysia, Sabah and Kuching – on Saturday, 18 February 2023, issued a Pastoral Letter stating it is “deeply disappointed” with the Church of England’s recent move to allow priests to bless the civil marriages of same-sex couples.

As Anglican churches are autonomous, the Church of England’s decision will have no impact on Anglican practice in this region, stated the letter, which was signed by the Bishop of Sabah Melter Jiki Tais, who is the Primate of the Anglican Church in South East Asia; Bishop of Kuching Datuk Danald Jute; Bishop of Singapore Dr Titus Chung Khiam Boon; and Bishop of West Malaysia Dr Steven Abbarow.

“The words used in a church service … must be faithful to Scripture. Such blessings violate this key theological principle,” they wrote. “As a Province, we will remain faithful to the teaching of Scripture.”

On 9 February, the General Synod of the Church of England decided by 250 votes to 181 votes to allow same-sex couples to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership “to dedicate their relationship to God and receive God’s blessing”, although they stopped short of extending church marriage services to same-sex couples.

In its response on Saturday, the leaders of the Anglican Church in South East Asia said: “We are deeply disappointed by the Church of England’s decision and unequivocally state that the blessing of same-sex unions has no biblical ground whatsoever, since Scripture teaches unambiguously that marriage is between one man and one woman.” 

Importantly, the Church must continue to love and journey with people of any sexual orientation, said the Bishops.

“We affirm that God loves persons of all sexual orientations, and we resolve to do likewise. We cannot approve of relationship choices that Scripture clearly forbids, but we will care for and journey with such persons.”

Their position echoes that of the Anglican Church leaders in Africa, such as Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu of Uganda, who issued a strongly-worded statement against the decision in England.

“The Church of England … has now departed from the Bible and their message is the opposite,” he said. “They are even offering to bless that sin. That is wrong. As the Church of Uganda, we cannot accept that. God cannot bless what he calls sin.”

Full text: Pastoral Letter from the Anglican Church in South East Asia

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

“The General Synod of the Church of England recently passed a motion permitting their priests to conduct blessings for same-sex civil unions. Understandably, many members of our Province are troubled by this development and wish to seek clarification regarding its implications for us.

“We are deeply disappointed by the Church of England’s decision and unequivocally state that the blessing of same-sex unions has no biblical ground whatsoever, since Scripture teaches unambiguously that marriage is between one man and one woman.

“The Church of England has said that their doctrine of marriage remains unchanged. Be that as it may, in the Anglican understanding the words used in a church service, whether they are part of the liturgy or are prayers for persons, must be faithful to Scripture. The provision of a form of words for such blessings violates this key theological principle.

“Although we cannot condone the decision made by the Church of England, we affirm that God loves persons of all sexual orientations, and we resolve to do likewise. We cannot approve of relationship choices that Scripture clearly forbids, but we will care for and journey with such persons, praying that the Lord will enable them to live in obedience to His Word.

“Since Anglican provinces are autonomous and do not come under the authority of the Church of England, the latter’s decision will not change our position and practice. As a Province, we will remain faithful to the teaching of Scripture.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to the Anglican Formularies – the Thirty-nine Articles, the Ordinal, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Books of Homilies – while noting that they do not grant any concession for the blessing of same-sex unions.

“Despite our grave reservations regarding the Church of England’s decision, we believe that the unity of the Anglican communion should not be lightly abandoned. Hence, we will remain in communion with the Church of England while praying fervently for her and speaking boldly for God’s truth. May His purpose prevail!”