New Zealand: Anglican splinter group grows as first same-sex blessing goes ahead in Canterbury
by Charlie Gates, Stuff:
Another Anglican vicar has resigned over the decision to allow same-sex blessings as the first ceremony takes place in Canterbury under the new rule.
Rangiora vicar Andrew Allen-Johns resigned from his parish earlier this month and established a new church in central Christchurch called Anchor. The move comes as a male couple became the first in Canterbury to have a same-sex blessing under the Anglican church.
One of the pair declined to comment as they wanted the blessing to remain a private matter.
Anglicans voted last year to allow same-sex blessings. The move means each vicar can decide if they will conduct same sex blessings with permission from the local bishop. The decision has led to a number of Christchurch worshippers, parishes and priests leaving the Anglican church.