- During its final sitting, the Provincial Synod rejected two motions focused on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
- A proposal to allow prayers for members in committed same-sex unions was narrowly defeated by 78 votes to 71.
- A second motion, which called for a new worship service for LGBTQIA+ members, was defeated by 98 votes to 61.
The Provincial Synod of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa has turned down two motions that aimed to broaden the church’s pastoral ministry to LGBTQIA+ members.
Delegates voted during the Synod’s final session on 23 September 2026, deciding against proposals to introduce prayers for members in same-sex unions and to create a new worship service for LGBTQIA+ parishioners.
Prayer proposal narrowly defeated
The first motion, called the Resolution on the Inclusion of Parishioners in Same-Sex Unions in the Church, asked the church to be more intentional about inclusion.
The motion referenced Archbishop Thabo Makgoba’s appeal for inclusivity, the church’s Vision 2030 commitment to welcoming everyone, and concerns that earlier decisions had caused pain to LGBTQIA+ members seeking recognition and pastoral care.
It proposed that church members in committed same-sex unions be prayed for within the Anglican Church. The resolution also called for a report at the next Provincial Synod on how this ministry of inclusion would be received.
Dr Ashley Petersen from the Diocese of False Bay proposed the motion, and Bishop Stafford Moses seconded it. The motion was defeated, with 78 votes against, 71 in favour, and 10 abstentions.
Worship service proposal also rejected
A second motion proposed establishing a new official worship service designed for the pastoral needs of LGBTQIA+ members.
Supporters argued that the proposed service would be separate from the church’s existing marriage, civil union, and reaffirmation of vows services, ensuring it would provide pastoral care without being mistaken for Holy Matrimony.
The Reverend Dr Matthew Wright from the Diocese of Johannesburg proposed the motion, with Tebogo Molefe seconding it. Delegates rejected this proposal by 98 votes against, 61 in favour, and 10 abstentions.
Church position remains unchanged
With both motions failing, the Provincial Synod has made no changes to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s current pastoral or worship practices for members in same-sex unions.
Get your news on the go. Click here to follow the Conviction WhatsApp channel.
