By Hilary White
May 2, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Although the bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) have rejected the idea of formally “blessing” same sex partnerings, they have allowed homosexual partners to seek formal “recognition” from their bishops and parishes.
In a draft pastoral statement, the House of Bishops, who met April 16-20, say they have “committed” themselves to what they called the “most generous pastoral response possible within the current teaching of the church.”
Two people of the same sex who have received a civil ceremony may “ask their parish’s recognition” and may have a celebration of the eucharist including “appropriate intercessory prayers, but not including a nuptial blessing.”
Same-sex couples seeking to have a “reception or celebration in a church for their life in Christ,” may have public prayers “for their mutual fidelity,” as long as it does not include the exchange of vows or a nuptial blessing.
The statement also “affirms” the ministry of homosexual clergy and acknowledges “the pain and conflict that many of you live with daily in your ministry in Christ.”
The statement goes on to apologise to those who hoped for a general approval of homosexuality, saying, “As of today the doctrine and discipline of our church does not clearly permit further action.” Archdeacon Paul Feheley, principal secretary to the national primate, Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, went further, saying in an interview that these provisions were based on “where we are today.”
“So we’re acknowledging that’s where we are, understanding that that could change in June,” Feheley said.
In February, the bishops of the Worldwide Anglican Communion, meeting in Tanzania, issued a virtual ultimatum to the member churches who want to include active homosexuality in the life of the church.
The bishops meeting in Dar Es Salaam addressed the US branch directly saying that they must conform to the “faith which is uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures” by September 2007 or risk a “reduced” position in the Communion.
The statement is posted to the ACC website and will be sent to the delegates of the General Synod in Winnipeg this June who will vote on several resolutions on the blessing of same-sex unions.
Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Anglican Hierarchy ~ US Anglicans Have Seven Months to Shape up or Ship Out
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