Australia: Priest hopeful for a “more inclusive Christianity” including marriage equality
An Australian priest has spoken out saying that he is hopeful that he will one day be able to bless same-sex marriages, and will speak at a church council in the hopes of starting things off.
Reverend Chris Bedding, of Darlington-Bellevue, has expressed potential doubts about the move towards equal marriage in Australia, but has said that he hopes he will soon be able to bless same-sex couples the same way he can bless straight ones.
The priest will present a motion to the Perth Anglican diocese’s annual synod next month, which would affirm: “that legal recognition of same-sex relationships can co-exist with legal recognition of marriage between a man and a woman”, the West Australian reported.
Reverend Bedding, 32, who is also a singer, actor and stand up comedian said:
“I routinely come across people of all kinds of sexual identities and often find myself advocating for a more inclusive Christianity, so that’s part of the motivation,”
The multi-talented Reverend Bedding describes himself as “celibate and happily single”, and was ordained at 23, then the youngest priest in Australia.
Advocators of equal marriage have voiced concerns that Australia is falling behind, after New Zealand and Tasmanian bills recently passed through the first stages of parliament there.
