CANADA: GENERAL SYNOD WILL DECIDE ON SAME-SEX BLESSINGS

Church’s national council sends resolution to triennial meeting

By Solange De Santin and Marites N. Sison

Staff Writers, Anglican Journal

Mississauga, Ont., March 7, 2004 — Council of General Synod (CoGS) voted to ask General Synod in May to decide whether dioceses may offer blessing ceremonies to gay couples.

The council… wrestled with the issue… over four days… In the end… “it is very important that General Synod get the opportunity to express its mind on the matter at this time.”

The five-part resolution proposes that General Synod affirm “the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same-sex unions.” The resolution would give dioceses what is known as a “local option.”

…The resolution also calls for unity with the church even as it acknowledges disagreement…

It addresses the issue of congregations that might be at odds with a bishop or with a diocese over the issue, saying that the church may provide “adequate alternative episcopal oversight and pastoral care for all.”

Text of resolutions:

Affirms unity in Christ despite differing convictions…

Affirms diocesan authority to authorize blessings of committed same-sex unions…

Affirms continued respectful dialogue and study…

Affirms respect for dialogue in indigenous and other communities…

Affirms commitment to fellowship and unity, including provision of adequate episcopal oversight and pastoral care regardless of perspective.