Canadian bishops release post-Lambeth statement

The Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada have concluded their first gathering since their participation in the Lambeth Conference. They've released a statement in which they pledge to uphold the three moratoria until the 2010 General Synod.

From their report (which is found here in PDF format):

As a result of these conversations a large majority of the House can affirm the following:
A continued commitment to the greatest extent possible to the three moratoria -- on the blessing of same-sex unions, on the ordination to the episcopate of people in same-sex relationships and on cross-border interventions -- until General Synod 2010. Members of this House, while recognizing the difficulty that this commitment represents for dioceses that in conscience have made decisions on these matters, commit themselves to continue walking together and to hold each other in prayer.

The House also affirms:

A commitment to establishing diocesan commissions to discuss the matter of same-sex blessings in preparation for conversations at General Synod 2010.

Continued commitment to exercise the greatest level of pastoral generosity in keeping with provisions approved by this House in Spring, 2007 and continued commitment to the Shared Episcopal Ministry document approved in Fall, 2004.

We ask for your continuing prayers as we steadfastly seek to discern the mind and heart of Christ for the wholesome care of all members of his Body, the Church. We share a deep hope that though we may never come to consensus over this matter of the blessing of same-sex unions, we will live with differences in a manner that is marked by grace and generosity of spirit, one toward another.

Posted by Nicholas Knisely on October 31, 2008 12:41 PM | |
Comments (2)

though we may never come to consensus over this matter of the blessing of same-sex unions, we will live with differences in a manner that is marked by grace and generosity of spirit, one toward another.

If that were the attitude throughout the Anglican Communion, it wouldn't be in the trouble it's in.

JC Fisher

Posted by tgflux [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 31, 2008 6:04 PM

Montreal plans to move ahead,
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=e534225b-ec05-416f-97e9-85118e262787

The head of Montreal's Anglican church plans to bless same-sex unions despite a suggested two-year moratorium following a meeting of Canada's Anglican bishops. Rt. Rev. Barry Clarke, head of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal, which includes 72 parishes and 110 congregations, said last night he will meet with diocese officials to develop "a protocol and a liturgy implementing the blessing of same-sex unions."

Posted by John B. Chilton [TypeKey Profile Page] | November 1, 2008 10:14 AM

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