Archbishop Glenn Davies has urged churches to set aside this Sunday as a day of Praying together for Marriage.
The Archbishop foreshadowed the initiative in this month's edition of the Diocesan magazine, Southern Cross, which includes a prayer Dr Davies wrote for the day.
The Australian newspaper last week reported the initiative, set down for this Sunday, September 17th.
"I have been a strong advocate of the view that the people of Australia should have their say on such a fundamental change to the fabric of our society. I have spoken on a number of occasions with the Prime Minister about this issue and have been impressed by his commitment to let the people’s voice be heard before the parliament makes any decision." Dr Davies wrote.
"The arguments against same-sex marriage have been thoughtfully and respectfully addressed in the diocesan booklet, What has God joined together? Copies were distributed to all parishes in February this year but you can also access it at www.sydneyanglicans.net/marriage. Further resources are available from the Coalition for Marriage." the article said
"I make no apology in asking all Anglicans to vote “No” in this postal vote. Indeed, all Christians should vote “No”, if they wish to uphold marriage as God has intended and to express that view with courage and commitment if we are to be both salt and light, as Jesus requires:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savour, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by others. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before all, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
The format and resources used for the Prayer Day are up to each parish - but Dr Davies urged humility, compassion and steadfastness in dealing with the same sex marriage issue.
The Archbishop's prayer can be downloaded here and is reproduced below.
A Prayer for the months of September and October
Father God, we praise you that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in your image, male and female, to live for your glory and the honour of your name. We thank you for the gift of marriage, your plan for the nurture of children and the health of our society. We pray for our nation, as it contemplates overturning your good design for men and women. Give us courage to serve you without fear as we declare your truth for the good of all Australians. Give us wisdom and grace as we seek to persuade our friends and family that God’s way is best. Grant us humility, compassion and steadfastness when we encounter views to the contrary.
May you be pleased to bless our nation so that marriage remains as the union of a husband and wife, in accordance with your purposes and the benefit of all. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
