wfn.org | AUSTRALIA: BISHOP TO LAUNCH LISTENING YEAR

[Audrey Whitefield <a.whitefield@quest.org.uk>]

Sept. 26, 1997
ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
Canon Jim Rosenthal, Director of Communications
Anglican Communion Office
London, England

ACC 1346 

AUSTRALIA: BISHOP TO LAUNCH LISTENING YEAR

(ACNS from Anglican Encounter) The Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Revd
Roger Herft, will launch a Year of Listening on 1 November to discuss
the diocese's attitude to the range of human relationships which now
exist in modern society.

This year's Synod reaffirmed the significance of the sacrament of
marriage, but also acknowledged  the diversity of family types in
society, urging acceptance and welcoming.

The Synod also called for a report, to be presented in just over 20
months, on the question of formal recognition and affirmation of people
in relationships other than marriage, including same sex couples.

Many denominations around Australia and the world are grappling with
these questions at the present time, and the Diocese will spend a year
from 1 November in discussion starting with a Diocesan Conference on
Relationships in Society.