Sydney Anglicans have sent a clear message to Freemasons across the state: your beliefs are “contrary to biblical Christianity.”

The strongly worded statement is part of a motion passed by Synod that describes the belief system as ‘fundamentally and irreconcilably incompat-ible’ with the Christian faith.

The motion calls on Christians who belong to a Masonic Lodge to resign their membership, as a demonstration of their commitment to Jesus Christ.

The Rev Bill Winthrop, rector of Lithgow Anglican Church, introduced the motion, cautioning that the problem of Freemasonry in Sydney congregations would not simply be solved with the passage of time.

He referred to plans by NSW Masonic Lodges to recruit younger members.

“We have an obligation to our church members to emphasise that Freemas-onry holds and teaches beliefs that lead people away from Jesus Christ,” Mr Winthrop said.

Several speakers warned that the motion would be perceived as unloving, especially by older Christians with strong ties to local lodges. “How will this motion be heard by many people in our retirement villages?” asked Lesley Errington of Revesby. Others, like John Gormloy, a non-practising Freemason from Palm Beach, challenged the notion that the Masonic Lodges were leading people away from salvation. “I believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God – what are the differences between the teachings of the Freemasons?”

However, Professor Barry Newman talked of generations of his family lost to what he described as a works-based belief system. “My father was a mason, but it never showed him the gospel. In fact, it gave him an alternative faith, an alternative gospel.”

The motion encourages ministers to not participate in or allow church buildings to be used for services that encourage Freemasonry.