By Stephen O'DohertyMonday 20 Nov 2017Open House InterviewsNewsReading Time: 1 minute
Listen: Archbishop Glenn Davies in conversation with Stephen O’Doherty
Same sex marriage has been on the political agenda in Australia for several years. In the marriage survey of November 2017 a majority of Australians, 61 percent, were in favour of it.
Polls taken before the survey showed similar rates of return for the yes case, which raises the questions about whether the Yes or No cases did much more than reinforce pre-held opinions.
Opinions about the survey were as divided as the issue itself. Some see it as a wasteful exercise that traumatised some in the LGBTI community. Others see it as an important exercise in democracy.
Either way Christians now know that 6 in 10 Australians do not want Biblical values to be reflected in secular marriage law.
- So what does that tell the church about its involvement in the No campaign?
- What about the future of the traditional view of marriage?
- Does the church now have work to do to heal relationships with the LGBTI community?
- And what about Christians who feel despondent because of the result?
We put these questions to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies. The Archbishop said that while the survey was a “win for democracy”, the Biblical view is still clear.
Dr Davies acknowledges the survey provides a clear mandate for change, but in the legislation that follows the Parliament must care for all Australians, not just those who voted yes.