B.C. diocese takes steps to bless same-sex unions
Synod approves motion in close vote
By Doug Koop ChristianWeek staff
VANCOUVER–Bishop Michael Ingham’s diocese of New Westminster is the first Canadian Anglican synod to pass a motion–albeit very narrowly–which "asks the bishop to authorize clergy in this diocese to bless covenanted same-sex unions."
According to reports, delegates at the May 9 synod spoke "respectfully and clearly (three minute limit) at the synod’s microphones" before a secret ballot was taken. The final tally was 179 (52 percent) in favor of the motion; 170 (48 percent) opposed.
With such a divisive vote on his hands, Ingham, a staunch advocate of greater rights for gays and lesbians in the church, declared the motion carried but said he intended "to withhold my consent at this time."
Although the vote will be a statement on the record, he said, it "will not become action until I have consulted widely…. It would be wrong for us to proceed without consultation…. I also promise you that nothing will happen soon."
Ingham’s caution is well-advised. Blessing same-sex unions is a highly controversial issue that is likely to be discussed at the Anglican Church of Canada’s general synod which began May 20 in Montreal, and later this summer when Anglican bishops from all over the world gather for their once-each-decade Lambeth conference.
The Canadian House of Bishops opposes the idea and last fall reaffirmed its longstanding ban on the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of practicing homosexuals. According to North Vancouver pastor Ed Hird, who is active with the Anglican Renewal Ministries, a recent poll of Canadian bishops showed that only five of 30 favored "the ordination of homosexual persons who are in, or hope to be in, monogamous faithful relationships."
Problems ahead
Other observers say that by bringing such a divisive matter to a vote, Ingham now faces a crisis in his own diocese, a serious problem that could exacerbate tensions much further afield if he does eventually agree to go ahead with same-sex blessings.
Ingham allowed the vote to proceed on the basis of a simple majority vote, not "by orders." Normally, according to synod rules, if an issue of church doctrine is involved then the voting process is split into separate voting by clergy and lay "orders." There must be a clear majority in both "houses" for the resolution to pass. At General Synod, a third party, the house of bishops, must also pass the motion. If any one of the houses strikes down the motion, it does not pass.
As for Anglicans worldwide, the majority of bishops now come from non-Western countries and tend to be more conservative theologically. And the Archbishop of Canterbury, the church’s spiritual leader, has put himself clearly on the record.
"I do not find any justification, from the Bible or the entire Christian tradition, for sexual activity outside marriage," he told the York General Synod last July.
"Thus, same-sex relationships in my view cannot be on a par with marriage and the Church should resist any diminishing of the fundamental sacramentum of marriage. Clergy, especially, should model relationships that commend the faith of Christ….
"I do not believe any major change is likely in the foreseeable future and I do not myself share the assumption that it is only a matter of time before the Church will change its mind."
