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Bishops' Statement, April 2007 |
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Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Niagara Falls, Ontario - Site of the April 2007 meeting of the Canadian House of Bishops Canadian Bishops' Pastoral Statement To General Synod May 1, 2007 At its April 16-20 meeting at Niagara Falls, Ontario, the Canadian House of Bishops considered a draft pastoral statement on same-sex blessings. Following subsequent revisions, they agreed to send the following document to delegates of General Synod 2007. Statement from the House of Bishops to the Members of General Synod Pursuant to section 25 a) of the Constitution of the General Synod the Primate gives notice that the House of Bishops desires to submit to the Anglican Church of Canada General Synod 2007 the following statement which is concurred in by the House of Bishops: In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, meeting from April 16-20, 2007, once again discussed the question of the blessing of same-sex unions. Once again a number of diverse opinions were expressed. Again questions were raised about theology, scripture, discipline, and our church's constitution. However we did find a common strong concern for the pastoral care of all members of our church. While not all bishops can conceive of condoning or blessing same-sex unions, we believe it is not only appropriate but a Gospel imperative to pray with the whole people of God, no matter their circumstance. In so doing we convey the long-standing Gospel teaching that God in Christ loves each person and indeed loves him/her so much that Christ is calling each person to change and grow more fully into God's image and likeness. To refuse to pray with any person or people is to suggest God is not with them. All of us fall short of the glory of God but all are loved by God in Christ Jesus. We believe that in offering the sacraments we invite God's transformative action in people's lives. We certainly hope no child is denied baptism solely on the basis of the sexual orientation, or the marital status, of the parents. It is inconsistent and unacceptable to deny baptism to children as a way of imposing discipline on the sexual behaviour of the parents. We hope no baptized Christian will be denied communion or confirmation because of being in a committed homosexual relationship or because of their marital status. We are committed, as bishops in Canada, to develop the most generous pastoral response possible within the current teaching of the church. We offer the following examples of possible pastoral responses: When a civilly married gay or lesbian couple seeks our church's reception of their civil marriage and asks their parish's recognition, it may be possible, with their bishop's knowledge and permission, to celebrate a Eucharist with the couple, including appropriate intercessory prayers, but not including a nuptial blessing. When a gay or lesbian married or committed couple seeks to hold a reception or celebration in a church for their life in Christ, again intercessory prayers for their mutual fidelity, the deepening of their discipleship and for their baptismal ministry may be offered, not including the exchange of vows and/or a nuptial blessing. Statement from the Canadian Bishop May 2007 - pg. 2 | ||||||||
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(This page is maintained by Rev. Dr. John Oakes and Kirsten Oakes .) |
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