Resolution B-001

Subject: Blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions

Moved by: Mr. Stephen Schuh from the Diocese of New Westminster

Seconded By: The Rt. Rev’d Michael Ingham from the Diocese of New Westminster

Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.

BE IT RESOLVED:

Notwithstanding any decisions taken by this its 2007 Synod, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada affirms that the present practice of the Synod and Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster in authorizing the blessings of covenanted same-sex unions in eight (8) Parishes of that Diocese shall continue in the Diocese of New Westminster pending further resolution by General Synod.

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Diocese of New Westminster’s engagement with issues of human sexuality, extending over many years and numerous Diocesan Synods, has resulted in a rite for blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions. 

This process has involved:

Votes at three Diocesan Synods (1998, 2001, 2002), each with an increasing majority in favour; with the Bishop withholding his assent until 2002;
The affirmative conclusion of a national legal consultation into the authority of a diocesan bishop to authorize a rite of blessing of covenanted same-sex unions;
A three-year program (1998-2001) of extensive, diocese-wide parish dialogues to explore theological issues surrounding human sexuality and to hear the stories of gay, lesbian and ex-gay Anglicans, and to consider a proposed rite of blessing;
The careful development of a rite for blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions;
The provision that no individual, clergy or lay, must participate in any such rites;
The development of a process and protocol for parishes to seek the Bishop’s authorization to conduct such blessings;
The provision of an episcopal visitor for parishes and individuals opposed to the blessing of same-sex unions.
The provision of this rite has enabled gay and lesbian people to feel safe, respected, and included in the full life of the church and that the sudden withdrawal of this rite would seriously undermine the progress that has been made.

In view of the deliberative process leading to a rite of blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions in the Diocese of New Westminster, and the potentially damaging effects if this rite is abruptly withdrawn, and given affirmation ¶12 of the St. Michael Report that “history … demonstrates that clarity emerges when thought and action occur simultaneously,” the Diocese of New Westminster needs to provide ongoing pastoral care and continuity for its people and parishes within its existing practice.

It will be interesting to see how people approach this particular resolution.  In a way it encapsulates at least part of the difficulty of trying to be a "communion" of churches.  Is it possible for something to be declared "blessed" in one geographical context, and at the same time to have another geographical context say that the same thing is not to be blessed?  In other words, can a church maintain that a certain expression is blessed here, but not there.  It is one aspect of the so called "local option". I'm not talking about North America and Africa here.  I'm talking about two sides of Vancouver.  Or one side of the Rocky Mountains and the other side.  Just within Canada, can we maintain our fellowship if something is declared blessed and pleasing to God in one diocese, but not another.

Then there is the question of the freedom of the clergy and laity to express what they believe is the direction in which the Spirit is leading them.  Can a church have members and leaders who say that something is both blessed and good, and yet have other members and leaders say that the same thing is a hindrance to life in Christ?

Had a few interesting conversations this evening.  Andrew Goddard spoke at two events today - there should be a vodcast sometime.  I'll link when it's up.  Also met up with Winnipeg blogger Preston and his wife this evening.

Must pray and sleep.

Comments

[Preston Parsons]

There's a curious argument in this resolution - that permitting same-sex blessings would allow gay lesbian people to participate in the whole life of the church. But what same-sex blessings does is *add* something to the life of the church. It's a flawed argument. There's nothing barring gay and lesbian people from the life of the church, unless what is desired is gay marriage - but this is not what is (technically speaking) being asked for. What this resolution wants, and others like it, is life + of the church.

[Grant Biggings]

By this ridiculous resolution Steve Schuh and Michael Ingham are clearly saying that they do not regard the decisions of General Synod or for that matter the Anglican Communion as whole body. Why are they even there? They are there only to promote their unilateral minority agenda to bless same sex marriage, against the clear warning to cease and desist from the World Wide Anglican Communion. Steve and Michael will do what they want no matter what the out come of General Synod. We have endured enough of their whining of what they want and they will not take no for an answer. If they want to do their own thing they are free to remove themselves from the Anglican Communion but they should Not presume to take the whole Diocese of New Westminster and the Anglican Church of Canada with them. Steve Schuh’s resolution is a waste of time. At what point will we as a Christian church move on to do the good work of teaching the Gospel instead of catering to these few who insist the church bless their sinful ways?

Regards,
GB

[Grant B.]

Further to my previous post. Perhaps a clearer writing of this resolution would read:

In spite of any decisions made by General Synod 2007, the Anglican Church of Canada agrees that Bishop Michael Ingham can and will do whatever he wants.

The selective and limited explanatory notes with this resolution are included to gloss over Michael Ingham’s megalomaniacal intentions with the "blessing" of the Anglican Church of Canada.