Marriage Equality Gilmore’s Dawn Hawkins and Anglican Schools Corporation member and All Saints Anglican Church Nowra Reverend Geoff Thompson have opened a respectful dialogue.

The discussion follows revelations last week Nowra Anglican College’s principal Lorrae Sampson signed the letter, which was a shock to the local community, particularly those with a vested interest at the school, in the Christian faith and those part of LGBTIQ community.

Ms Hawkins told the South Coast Register both parties were dedicated to ensuring mental health of students, teachers and anyone impacted would be at the heart of their dealings.

“The leaked information of the Ruddock inquiry into Religious Freedoms is highly emotive and complex,” Ms Hawkins said.

“Members of the Anglican community, the LGBTI community – and most importantly, those families who are members of both – are understandably worried about the impact on them. This is why we have taken an important first step in opening a dialogue.

“The immediate concern is the wellbeing of our community.

“I’m committed to finding ways to work together to minimise local confusion and distress as this issue plays out at a national level.

“We had a very positive meeting on Tuesday and agree that where there are issues, we must engage in calm and reasonable dialogue together.

“This is a great opportunity to demonstrate our community’s maturity, to understand each other better.”

Ms Hawkins will be meeting with Mrs Sampson in the coming days.

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