Sydney Anglicans Think They’re Above the Law: Defying NSW Conversion Ban Amid Church Decline

Sydney Anglicans Signal Willingness to Defy NSW Conversion Practices Ban in Defense of Faith

Sydney, 19 September 2025

In a bold and controversial address to the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney, Archbishop Kanishka Raffel made it clear that Sydney Anglicans are prepared to challenge the NSW Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024, asserting that their religious teachings on human sexuality and relationships take precedence over the law.

“The Act purports to give churches, schools and parents permission to teach about sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity and religion. But, respectfully, we do not need the permission of the government to teach about such things,” Raffel declared, drawing a firm line in the sand.

The Archbishop pledged unwavering support for any clergy or church workers who face legal action under the legislation, stating, “We must not be silenced or intimidated from teaching God’s good plan for human sexuality and relationships. We will insist on the freedom to do so, respectfully but without fear. We will obey God.”

This stance signals a readiness among Sydney Anglicans to defy or test the boundaries of the law, which criminalizes conversion practices—including so-called “conversion therapy”—that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The Act, effective since April 2025, carries penalties of up to five years imprisonment and establishes a complaint mechanism through Anti-Discrimination NSW.

Premier Chris Minns had assured that the legislation would not restrict churches in prayer or preaching, promising that individuals seeking guidance through prayer would not be banned. However, faith leaders say that Anti-Discrimination NSW’s broad interpretation of the law has undercut these assurances.

Bishop Michael Stead voiced concerns at the Synod, stating, “I think this is the first time in my life there is now a genuine possibility that I could be in breach of the law in New South Wales for doing nothing more than teaching people what the Bible says about human sexuality, encouraging them to live in accordance with this and praying to that end.”

Stead explained that faith leaders had worked extensively with the government to ensure the legislation would not capture ordinary religious practices, but the current implementation “does not deliver on these promises.” Anti-Discrimination NSW has reportedly declined to provide clear guidance, citing the absence of case law, and intends to apply a maximal interpretation of the Act’s definitions.

This approach, Stead warned, could lead to a flood of complaints falling into a legal “grey zone,” resulting in prolonged tribunal and court processes. “The process is the punishment,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the Synod passed a resolution encouraging Christians to proclaim the truth of God’s word on sexuality, marriage, identity, and gender without fear, and to provide prayerful support to those seeking to live in obedience to biblical teachings—even if they face complaints under the Act.

The resolution also commended the work of Living Faith, an organization providing biblical teaching and pastoral care to Christian men and women experiencing same-sex attraction or gender incongruence, helping parishes to welcome and support them in accordance with historic Christian faith.

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful practices and safeguarding religious freedom. As the law takes effect, faith communities and government agencies alike face the challenge of navigating this complex and sensitive landscape.

However, this defiant posture comes amid troubling signs for the Sydney Anglican Church’s future. Recent Synod reports reveal a decade-long decline in church attendance across the Diocese, prompting a new five-year plan aiming for a modest 5% annual growth in attendance and discipleship. Even large, well-resourced churches like Norwest have struggled to translate attendance into meaningful conversions, with only incremental gains despite significant efforts.

Critics argue that the church’s resistance to evolving social values—particularly around equity and inclusion—may be alienating younger generations and broader communities. As the Diocese grapples with legal challenges and cultural shifts, some voices urge Sydney Anglicans to “wake up and embrace human rights,” embracing a more compassionate and inclusive approach if they hope to reverse decline and remain relevant in a changing society.