THE Archbishop of Perth, the Most Revd Roger Herft, has declined to assent to a motion on same-sex unions passed by more than two-thirds majorities of the clergy and laity of the Perth synod last month (News, 18 October).

The motion, similar to one passed by the synod last year, but declined by the Archbishop, recognised diversity within the diocese "both in our sexual identities and in our theologies of human sexuality", and noted the support of many Anglicans for same-sex civil unions. It acknowledged that "legal recognition of same-sex relationships may coexist with legal recognition of marriage between a man and a woman."

Under the synod's constitution, however, the motion required the Archbishop's assent. In a letter sent to synod members, he gave a number of reasons for declining to assent. They include concerns with the wording of the motion, which he earlier described as "theologically flawed"; and the objection that the motion could be contrary to the constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia.

He has now requested that a meeting of the Provincial Council of Western Australia be called to consider the matter, as required by the constitution.

In an earlier statement, Archbishop Herft said that the Anglican Church in the diocese of Perth was an inclusive Church. "Married, divorced, single, gay, lesbian, and people of other sexual orientations are welcome in parishes in this diocese," he said. "In fact, there are gay and lesbian clergy serving in the priesthood. They are licensed by me, and are honoured and respected as priests who serve . . . with integrity and holiness."

He said that lay people who identified as gay and lesbian were welcome in the diocese's churches, and that he "promised to stand firm against any discrimination or phobia exhibited against persons who identify as gay and lesbian".