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New West Synod approves same sex blessings;
Bishop delays implementation

Solange De Santis
Staff Writer, Anglican Journal
Vancouver, B.C.

For the second time, the diocese of New Westminster's annual synod voted to
allow Bishop Michael Ingham to offer blessings for homosexual
relationships. Bishop Ingham, although a supporter of the motion, again
withheld his consent, saying a wider consensus was needed on the emotional
issue.

Meeting at Capilano College in North Vancouver, June 1-2, 226 delegates
voted for the so-called Motion 9 with 174 voting against, a margin of 56.5
per cent to 43.5 per cent. At its 1998 synod, diocesan delegates had voted
179 to 170 for the motion, which asked the bishop "to authorize clergy in
this diocese to bless covenanted (committed) same-sex unions, subject to
such conditions as the Bishop deems appropriate."

New Westminster, which includes the city of Vancouver and the British
Columbia coastline from the U.S. border to Powell River, is the first
Anglican diocese in Canada to vote to approve such blessings.

Lesbian and gay Anglicans say they would like to be able to celebrate their
relationships in church before friends, family and God. They and their
supporters see this as a legitimate sign of full inclusion in the church
community and an important sign of respect. Opponents, citing scripture,
see such a move as contrary to God's will and a dangerous challenge to
traditional Anglicanism and orthodox Christianity.

After Bishop Ingham announced the vote totals to a hushed assembly gathered
in Capilano's large gymnasium, he said that the widening margin of approval
indicated "a pattern of acceptance of our gay and lesbian members."

Nevertheless, he added in a steady voice, "people need more time to
understand the direction the church is moving in. We are not yet in a
position to change the pastoral practice. I continue to withhold my consent."

Previously, Bishop Ingham had said he would give his consent only if the
vote showed a "clear and substantial majority," but had declined to say
what percentage might be "substantial." Now, however, he noted that "the
closest I can think of" was the recent margins in episcopal elections -
around 60 per cent.

Bishop Ingham, who is on record as supporting the concept of blessing
same-sex relationships, said he realized that gay and lesbian Anglicans
will be upset with his decision. "I know very well their pain," he said,
and asked that they "put this in the context of a journey."

Continuing, he said, "I ask us all to reach out to one another," and said
he also was speaking to "others who feel they are now in a minority," that
is, conservatives. "I support minorities. There is and will always be a
place for you in our diocesan family," he said

After Bishop Ingham ended his remarks, applause began at the back of the
room, building to a standing ovation.

At a news conference held after the vote announcement, Maureen Ashfield, a
lesbian synod delegate, said she and a number of gay friends felt "silent
disappointment" at Bishop Ingham's decision. "How long do we have to wait?"
she asked, noting with tears in her eyes that her partner of 12 years,
Laura (she declined to give her last name), is a cancer survivor. "For some
couples, waiting means it won't happen," she said, adding that "we will
continue to be part of the discussion" and try to convince others "that we
are not a threat to people's understanding of their faith."

Rev. Robert Wismer, rector of St. Helen's church in Vancouver, a synod
delegate and a supporter of the conservative Essentials group, said
traditionalists are "deeply troubled" by the vote and the increased support
for gays and lesbians. "We do not believe that the Bible allows for the
blessing of same-sex unions, covenanted or not. It is not a suitable means
to minister to people with a homosexual orientation," he said. "We will
offer support to those who desire encouragement to abstain from homosexual
activities," he added.

When asked where the issue goes now, Bishop Ingham said he did not intend
to re-introduce Motion 9 or introduce another dialogue process. After the
1998 synod, he asked the 80 parishes in the diocese to conduct a dialogue
in which each parish was twinned with another for discussions.

However, he noted, "any member of synod can re-introduce it at any time,"
and he said he thinks that will happen.

Bishop Ingham was also asked whether the church was ignoring the democratic
process. "The church is a funny old institution. We are not entirely
democratic. Bishop, clergy and laity have to agree. I am not able at this
point to agree, much as I would like to," he said.

Before the vote, the three-and-a-half hour debate in which about 80 synod
delegates participated reflected all sides of the question. Scripture was
cited by supporters and opponents. Some said the motion should be defeated
because it would divide the church while others said that the motion was a
matter of human rights. Still others complained that the views of those who
are no longer gay are not being heard.

Bishop Ingham said he intends to present the results of the vote for
discussion and consultation at the July 4-11 meeting of General Synod in
Waterloo, Ont.

				-30-

Quotes from the Motion 9 debate at the New Westminster synod:

"The Bible is clear that homosexuality is wrong and Jesus' silence on the
subject would only mean that he concurred," said Rev. Charles Balfour of
St. John the Divine in Maple Ridge.

"Motion 9 is an issue of justice. It is illogical to say you are children
of God if there is an exception to that welcome. Are we prepared to love
our neighbour?" said Ian Birtwell, of Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver.

"I am torn apart. If I go with compassion, I vote yes, but Scripture does
not allow me to do that. I will vote against this motion, but it kills me
to do it," said Rev. Trevor Walters of St. Matthew, Abbotsford.

"The implication of passing Motion 9 will be schism. Do not go there," said
Rev. Barclay Mayo of St. Andrew, Sechelt.

"I am ex-gay. Think very hard. What are you saying to the ex-gays if you
vote yes?" said Rev. Dawn McDonald of Holy Cross, Vancouver.

"We are not condemning ex-gays. The Bible is silent on life-long, committed
(gay) relationships. It is against violent, promiscuous sex. This (Motion
9) is a matter of practice, not doctrine or faith," said Rev. Lynne
McNaughton of the Vancouver School of Theology.

Youth delegate Tanya Eves, her voice shaking with emotion, told of a gay
friend on the verge of suicide who told her, "the church won't accept me."
She added, "Why can't we celebrate his love? Please, as God loves you, let
my best friend love and be loved."

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