Anglican synod votes against prayers and LGBTQIA+ liturgy - IOL

A Western Cape proposal to allow Anglican churches to pray for members in committed same-sex unions has been rejected by the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s highest decision-making body.

The motion from the Diocese of False Bay was defeated at the Provincial Synod this week by seven votes, with 78 voting against it, 71 in favour and 10 abstaining.

The proposal brought by Dr Ashley Petersen and seconded by Bishop of False Bay Strafford Moses.

It asked the Synod to allow members of the church in committed same-sex unions to be prayed for within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, of ACSA. It also proposed that a report on how the ministry was received be presented at the next Provincial Synod.

The motion said previous decisions by the church may have caused pain to people who sought inclusion, recognition and pastoral care.

During the Synod this week, Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba  called for greater inclusion in the church.

Makgoba pointed to the prayers already offered by the church, saying: “We pray for trees, we pray for cars, we pray for avocados,” as he addressed the question of including LGBTQIA+ members.

A second motion, from Diocese of Johannesburg proposed compiling a separate liturgy to serve the pastoral needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The motion specifically sought to distinguish such a liturgy from marriage, thanksgiving for a marriage, reaffirmation of vows and the blessing of a civil union.

It was proposed by the Rev Dr Matthew Wright and seconded by Tebogo Molefe, both from the Diocese of Johannesburg.

That motion was defeated by a wider margin, with 98 voting against it, 61 in favour and 10 abstaining.

The votes took place during Makgoba's final Provincial Synod as Archbishop.

Opening the Synod on Sunday, September 20, 2026, Makgoba told delegates: "This being my last Synod," before thanking his family for their support during his years leading the church.