Australian Anglicans ‘disintegrating’

The conservative Diocese of Sydney has said the Anglican Church of Australia is ‘on a trajectory towards disintegration’ over a decision to allow the blessing of same-sex unions.

The church’s national appellate tribunal – a legal advisory body comprising three bishops and four lawyers – has ruled that Anglican priests may give a blessing to same-sex couples who have already been married elsewhere.

The tribunal found it would not breach the church’s fundamental declarations and principles, and it was up to each diocese whether they allowed such blessings.