wfn.org | Canadian bishop looks for consensus on same-sex blessings

[Daphne Mack <dmack@dfms.org>]

99-2289
Canadian bishop looking for consensus on decision to bless same-
sex unions

by James Solheim
 (ENS) When the Diocese of New Westminster in the Anglican 
Church of Canada narrowly approved (179 to 170) a resolution 
calling for the blessing of same-sex unions last spring, Bishop 
Michael Ingham decided to withhold his consent until after the 
Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops meeting in England last 
summer. Now he has decided to delay any action until 2001, looking 
for "substantial consensus" before moving ahead. His decision has 
drawn strong support in the diocese but some angry disappointment 
from Vancouver's large gay and lesbian community.

"What we saw at Lambeth was the fear and animosity that 
continues to be directed at gay and lesbian people by the church 
and I think justice delayed is justice denied," Ingham said in a 
statement. "Nevertheless, bishops do have the responsibility to 
guard the unity of the church and try and take people along 
together; and that's what I am seeking to do."

Parishes in the diocese will continue their discussions on 
the issue and a Bishop's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Voices will 
seek to broaden the understanding of life and experiences of gay 
church members. Another commission will provide study materials on 
the theological issues while another will investigate any legal 
impediments. At the same time, a proposed liturgical rite is being 
prepared for use if approval is given.

"The church here is actually at odds with a society that 
cannot understand our discriminatory attitude," Ingham said. He 
even suggested that the church might be violating Canadian law 
which opposes discrimination against homosexuals by public 
institutions.

In the Province of British Columbia, for example, they are 
guaranteed equality before the law. The day may be coming "when 
we could find ourselves compelled by law to end our discriminatory 
practices," the bishop said.

Archbishop Michael Peers, primate of the Anglican Church of 
Canada, expressed his support for Ingham's decision, calling it 
consistent with the policy of the church and faithful to Anglican 
tradition. "The establishment of a commission to enable biblical 
and historic church teaching to be explored and shared embodies a 
faithfulness to the Anglican commitment to scripture, tradition 
and reason," he said.

 But the decision is also consistent with the mind of the 
church's General Synod, Peers said, which "affirms the presence 
and contribution of gay men and lesbians in the life of the 
church."

--based on reports from the Anglican Church of Canada and the 
Church Times of London.

Episcopal News Service
Kathryn McCormick
(212) 922-5383
kmccormick@dfms.org
www.ecusa.anglican.org/ens