Archbishop Glenn Davies says Kevin Rudd was 'profoundly wrong' in his comments about slavery, same-sex marriage and the Bible.
In answer to a question from a Pastor on Monday night's Q and A on ABCTV about how his beliefs on same sex marriage lined up with the Bible, Mr Rudd said "Well mate if I was going to have that view, the Bible also says that slavery is a natural condition." He went on to outline his support for same sex marriage.
In a statement issued today and reported on ABC TV news and in Wednesday's Australian, Dr Davies said "Kevin Rudd was profoundly wrong in his understanding of the Bible. He misquoted the Bible and attributed to the Bible something that Aristotle said (that slavery is a natural condition). The Bible never says that. The Bible sees slavery as the result of fallen and broken relationships in society and it is crystal clear in its condemnation of the slave trade." (Reference: 1 Tim 1:10)
Archbishop Davies said he was disappointed by the latest comments from Mr Rudd ".. in the same way that I was disappointed by the position he announced in May despite, as he said, after much reflection. Unfortunately in my view he has not been reflecting on the teaching of Scripture. To sanction same-sex 'marriage' is not the teaching of the Anglican Church of Australia nor is it the teaching of the Bible. The Bible views marriage as an institution that God has created. Jesus brings clarity to the nature of marriage by saying that it is an exclusive relationship between a man and a woman, for life. Although there are many kinds of relationships in our society, to describe the relationship between two persons of the same sex as marriage is contrary to the Bible's teaching."
Despite the strong comments, Dr Davies said he would not tell people how to vote. Christians, he said "have a responsibility to vote wisely and as Christians they should vote in accordance with their conscience and their understanding of Scripture. Christians realise that no political party will reflect their views in every policy. So they have to make a judgment as to which party best represents their views. I encourage all Christians to think prayerfully and wisely about how to vote on polling day."
