Anglican school rejects same-sex edict

The headmistress of a prominent Anglican school has rebuked the Sydney diocese’s rejection of same-sex marriage, saying that it has ‘no place in schools’.

St Catherine's headmistress Julie Townsend.

The headmistress of a prominent Anglican school has criticised the Sydney diocese’s updated statement of faith that implicitly asks new principals and school board directors to reject same-sex ­marriage, saying that it has “no place in our school”.

Julie Townsend, headmistress of the prestigious St Catherine’s School in Waverley, is the first school leader to speak out against the updated statement.

It comes amid bitter disagreement at the Ang­li­can Church’s first policymaking meeting since the introduction of same-sex marriage in 2017.

Dr Townsend said in an email to alumni “that discriminatory and damaging views have no place in our school”.

“I know many people are working with the diocese to explain to them why their 2019 revised statement of faith has no place in schools, which are educating young people to be ethical, capable, compassionate citizens who make the world a safer and happier place for everyone,” she said. “I am sorry for the enormous hurt this issue has brought to so many of us.”

The chair of the school council, Danusia Cameron, on Friday ­issued a letter obliquely pushing back against the diocese’s decree.

“The council wants to reassure the school community of our commitment to the longstanding culture of St Catherine’s, where every girl is equally welcomed and cherished as the unique individual they are,” she said.

Peter Laurence – chief executive of Anglican Schools Australia, the national peak body for Anglican schools – echoed Dr Townsend’s statement.

“My understanding is that the vast majority of our member schools do not support this issue being played out in schools,” Reverend Laurence said. “Anglican schools are, and always must be, safe places for young people. We adults need to ensure we give messages of inclusion, welcome and acceptance to all students and staff in Anglican schools.”

It comes amid controversy regarding the broader Anglican Church’s position on same-sex marriage, as revealed by The Australian last week.

The Sydney diocese oversees more than 30 schools, including Shore, Abbotsleigh, and King’s. Twenty-three dioceses scattered across the country constitute the Anglican Church, which boasts the second-largest following in the country, with 13.3 per cent of Australians, ­according to the 2016 census.

The clause inserted into the statement implicitly rejects same-sex marriage. “This faith produces obedience in accordance with God’s word, including sexual faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman, and abstinence in all other circumstances,” the clause reads.

The changes were made by the Sydney Synod, the diocese’s central policymaking body that convenes its 800-odd ministers, elected represent­atives and ­officeholders.

Dr Townsend’s rebuke comes amid broader debate within the church on its position on same-sex marriage.

The Anglican General Synod is this week holding its first meeting since same-sex marriage was legalised. The Synod usually convenes once every three years but its 2020 meeting was postponed because of the pandemic.