Tag Archives: same-sex marriage

Anglican Church of Canada turns to Rome after running out of its own sophistry

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The Anglican Church of Canada, having run out of its own seemingly inexhaustible supply of sophistry, is looking to the Roman Catholic Church for inspiration in finding new ingenious ways to justify blessing same-sex marriages.

The Roman Catholic Church has demonstrated its enviable talent for casuistry in recent statements on same-sex marriage.

A same-sex blessing is blessing the person not the relationship. The fact that the two people in the same-sex marriage are being blessed together is purely coincidental; it has nothing to do with the relationship. Nothing at all.

Why didn’t we Anglicans think of that?

From here:

A document released by the Roman Catholic Church reconsidering its policy on blessings—including those to people in same-sex relationships—offers Anglicans a new way to think about divisions within their own communion, says the Rev. Iain Luke, principal of the Saskatoon-based College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue.

The declaration Fiducia Supplicans, endorsed by Pope Francis on Dec. 18, lays out a shift in the Roman Catholic Church’s approach to blessings. It encourages clergy to offer blessings from the church to any who ask without first scrutinizing whether they are in compliance with the church’s doctrines or meet some moral standard.

When someone asks for a blessing, the document says, regardless of their marital or moral status, they are showing their openness to God’s love and assistance. “This request should, in every way, be valued, accompanied, and received with gratitude,” it states. “People who come spontaneously to ask for a blessing show by this request their sincere openness to transcendence, the confidence of their hearts that they do not trust in their own strength alone, their need for God, and their desire to break out of the narrow confines of this world, enclosed in its limitations.”

Though the new policy does not allow Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex relationships, it does allow them to bless the people in them, whose relationship status would previously have been grounds for a priest to deny a blessing, says Luke. He compares this approach to that of the early days of Christianity in the first century AD.

Archbishop Linda Nicholls sees no major split in the Anglican Communion

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GAFCON, in its February 20th statement responding to the Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex marriages, has declared that the CofE can no longer be considered the “mother church”. It has broken communion with provinces that hold to Biblical views on human sexuality and Justin Welby is no longer the first among equals in the global communion.

In other words, the Anglican Communion is divided, split, rent asunder, fractured, broken.

Linda Nicholls thinks everything is just fine. The problem has been “overblown”. Like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, Nicholls cannot hear the waves of chaos crashing against the foundations of what is left of her church.

The truth is, the Anglican Communion has already split. What we are witnessing now is the external outworking of an inward fracture, an outward, visible sign of an inward, invisible rupture, an unholy sacrament.

Nicholls goes on to complain that according to the GAFCON statement, “the final test of orthodoxy is human sexuality”.

Not so. Orthodoxy requires not only a correct understand of the nature of God – or at least as correct as flawed humans can be – but a correct understanding of the nature of mankind. At the root of the church’s LGBT* mania is the lie that the purpose and nature of man is self-fulfilment, self-gratification and, especially in the “T” case, atheistic existential self-determination, a misreading of the human condition so mixed up, most self-respecting pagans wouldn’t hold to it.

From here:

The significance of a press statement from a grouping of theologically conservative Anglican primates which recommends the withdrawal of “orthodox provinces” from the rest of the Anglican Communion, and which has drawn international headlines, has been overblown, Archbishop Linda Nicholls, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, tells the Anglican Journal.

[….]

The motion passed in the Church of England’s General Synod allows clergy to use their conscience in deciding whether to use the prayers of blessing, meaning that they can opt in or out of blessing same-sex unions on an individual basis. So no church or individual will be required to give blessings that they disagree with, Nicholls says. In fact, she adds, since the Church of England motion extends only to blessings, it does not actually make any changes to its policy on marriage itself. For comparison, some dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada, after extensive discernment, have provided same-sex marriage as a pastoral response, Nicholls says.

In that context, she says, it makes little sense to break up the Communion over such a small change.

Canon lawyer declares Canada’s same-sex marriage local option invalid

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After the defeat of the same-sex marriage vote at the 2019 general synod, the Anglican Church of Canada scrambled desperately to find a way to do the very thing that they had voted not to do. Their ingenious canon lawyer, David Jones, came up with the bright idea that, since the existing marriage canon didn’t prohibit same-sex marriage, there was nothing stopping dioceses performing them. This is known as the local option. The existing canon doesn’t say the ACoC can’t marry someone to a sheep, either, but we won’t go there.

The ever-tenacious Anglican Communion Alliance has enlisted the support of another canon lawyer – Professor Mark Hill from the CofE – to offer his opinion. He says Jones’ memo on the subject is “inaccurate and misleading” and anyone performing same-sex marriages should face disciplinary charges. Duelling canon lawyers.

I admire the ACA for their stamina in resisting the tsunami of heretical tripe erupting from the ACoC but will it make any difference? None whatsoever. If Canadian Anglican clergy admitted that same-sex marriage was not marriage at all, half of them would have to get a divorce.

The document from the canon lawyer can be found here, and a useful summary here.

FOR SOME TIME now several diocesan bishops within the Anglican Church of Canada have been allowing – and even sometimes personally performing – same-sex marriages and have authorized liturgies for such rites. They have based their right to do so on a Memo issued in June 2016 by Chancellor David Jones Q.C., the top legal advisor to the Primate.

Now a top canon lawyer in the global Anglican Communion has filed a 10-page Legal Opinion that not only argues that the Chancellor’s Memo is “inaccurate and misleading” but goes much further, stating that disciplinary charges under Canon XVIII currently could be brought against any cleric who solemnizes a same-sex marriage or any person who purports to authorize a liturgy for such a rite.

Diocese of Algoma will perform same-sex marriages

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With all the excitement about contagion and racism, it almost seemed as if the Anglican church had forgotten that which is most dear to it: sex.

Fear not, the obsession still lives! Archbishop Anne Germond has announced that the Diocese of Algoma will start conducting same-sex marriages.

Things are finally returning to normal.

From here:

I have weighed the matter of same sex marriage in the church carefully and prayerfully, only too aware of the heavy burden that lies on me as the time arrives to make a decision for the Diocese of Algoma. I believe that the decision I have made is the result of my prayerful and attentive listening to Algoma’s corporate discernment over many years and reflects the position and desire of the majority of people in this diocese. I am,therefore,granting permission for duly qualified same sex couples who are part of ecclesial communities and who intend to live in faithful and committed relationships to celebrate the sacrament of marriage in our diocese.

Here is an updated list of dioceses that will marry same-sex couples:
Diocese of Saskatoon
Diocese of Algoma
Diocese of Ontario
Diocese of Central Newfoundland
Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Diocese of Western Newfoundland
Diocese of New Westminster
Diocese of Toronto
Diocese of Niagara
Diocese of Montreal
Diocese of Ottawa
Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
Diocese of Rupert’s Land
Diocese of Kootenay
Diocese of Edmonton
Diocese of B.C.
Diocese of Huron

Let your yes be maybe and your no maybe not

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The Diocese of Toronto has decided that same-sex marriage is both legitimate and not legitimate. In polite company, this is known as an antinomy. Or, in plain language, rubbish.

The good news is, there is almost no one who cares anymore what the Anglican Church of Canada thinks about anything. So the fact that it has decided to stake its reputation – what is left of it – on a statement that raises illogicality to the status of dogma is of little interest to anyone who continues to inhabit objective reality.

From here:

“Marriage in equal measure means that our Diocese chooses to hold in creative tension two views of Holy Matrimony that are, at once, contradictory and yet legitimately supported and honoured by our bishops, clergy and laity. This place of creative tension follows a long season of study, reflection, conflict, revelation and struggle. Clergy and laity in this Diocese will be supported in holding and teaching a theology of marriage as being between a man and a woman or a theology of marriage that does not require the couple to be of opposite gender.”

Christ Church Anglican to conduct same-sex marriages

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The rector, Rev. Yme Woensdregt, of Christ Church Anglican in the Diocese of Kootenay, thinks this is “quite wonderful” whereas, in reality for today’s Canadian Anglican church, it is rather common-place and mundane. There is no wonder in it at all.

What is interesting about it is that it is billed as same-gender marriage not same-sex marriage. Sex is, of course, determined by chromosomes but gender, we are told, is a social construct. The church has already moved on – as I knew it would – from same-sex marriage to the marriage of a biological man who identifies as a woman to a  biological woman who identifies as a man. Or any possible permutation thereof. If you are not confused yet, I expect you soon will be when the ACoC concocts its next yet more inclusive and improved marriage ménage.

From here:

Christ Church Anglican in Cranbrook has officially received permission from Bishop of Kootenay Lynne McNaughton to perform same-gender marriages.

“It’s quite wonderful,” said Rev. Yme Woensdregt of Christ Church, “and our congregation is — as I say, three or four years ago it was almost unanimous [in support of same-gender marriage] and that has not changed. For most of us, we don’t see why that ought to be a problem.”

Woensdregt explained that in 2016 they received permission from previous Bishop of the Diocese of Kootenay, John Pivett, to bless a civil marriage of same-gender people.

Church of England can’t decide when to have sex

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The Church of England, having issued a statement saying that sexual activity is only permissible between a married man and woman, has suddenly realised that it has been too decisive. Too binary. Too hurtful. Too divisive. Too Christian.

As a result, a week later, after the inevitable howls of protest, archbishops Welby and Sentamu have issued an apology, dripping with all the right words like “build bridges”, “difficult conversations” and “discern the way forward”.

Apparently, along with the usual sexual befuddlement, the archbishops have “questions of human identity”: they still don’t know who they are. There must be a pill for that.

How could any sane organisation issue two statements, ostensibly from the same individuals, one week apart that completely contradict each other? Unless they are trying to illustrate Mark 3:25. Of course Jesus was talking about Satan in that passage, not archbishops. Although the distinction is diminishing as the years go by.

We as Archbishops, alongside the bishops of the Church of England, apologise and take responsibility for releasing a statement last week which we acknowledge has jeopardised trust. We are very sorry and recognise the division and hurt this has caused.

At our meeting of the College of Bishops of the Church of England this week we continued our commitment to the Living in Love and Faith project which is about questions of human identity, sexuality and marriage. This process is intended to help us all to build bridges that will enable the difficult conversations that are necessary as, together, we discern the way forward for the Church of England.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

The Most Rev John Sentamu, Archbishop of York

Diocese of Toronto waves goodbye to objective reality

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The Diocese of Toronto has decided to proceed with same-sex marriage even though the vote to change the Marriage Canon to permit such marriages was defeated at general synod.

In a masterstroke of ingenuity, the diocese has found a way to get around this inconvenient obstacle. We don’t have to change the marriage canon; all we must do is reinterpret it to mean something other than what is clearly stated in the canon.

The diocese has entered the murky realm of post-truth ecclesiology.

From here (my emphasis):

From this sharing and listening, we will gather what we’ve heard into our diocese’s message for the Council of General
Synod when it meets on Nov. 23-25, and to General Synod itself.
This is what we are considering:
• Declare that Canon XXI (On Marriage in the Church) applies to all persons who are duly qualified by civil law
to enter into marriage. (This is an interpretation of the Canon, not a change to the Canon.)
• Change wording to be gender neutral (i.e. “the parties to the marriage”).
• Opt-in process. (Noting that no cleric is required to marry anyone.)
• Must be authorized by the diocesan
bishop.

Oldest Anglican parish in Canada conducts its first same-sex marriage

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The Anglican Cathedral of St. John The Baptist in St. John’s Newfoundland was founded in 1699 and claims to be the oldest Anglican church in Canada.

The church just married two ladies to each other, which goes to show that wisdom does not necessarily accompany age.

The church’s mission statement needs to be rewritten because it currently contains this gross misstatement: “The Cathedral Parish will, by the Grace of God….. Preserve Anglican heritage and tradition of Newfoundland and Labrador”

From here:

Susan Green and Brenda Halley chose the Anglican Cathedral of St. John The Baptist as their church 12 years ago, little realizing that they would be part of history.

But earlier this month the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist—the oldest Anglican parish in Canada, founded in 1699—has performed its first same-sex marriage ceremony, their marriage ceremony.

The couple has been together for 18 years and knew the church was friendly, because one of the church leaders, a deacon who is openly gay, was accepted by the church community.

Green says the Cathedral is what she calls “an interesting blend of history and tradition, modernity and progression.”

Diocese of Ontario to ignore marriage canon vote

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The Diocese of Ontario is the latest diocese to approve same-sex marriages.

From here:

Dear Friends,
I am writing to you further to my letter of October 27th to the diocese following the session of the Special Synod convened last Saturday, October 26th. I have given prayerful consideration to the content of the debate, the results of the votes taken by the clergy and laity and sought the counsel of the Bishop’s Advisory Committee which met this past Friday.
I am prepared to authorize same sex marriages in the diocese by those clergy and congregations who make a request to me for such authorization. Attached to this letter is the policy I have drafted which is framed to strike a balance between the pastoral generosity which some wish to extend and the gracious restraint to which others wish to adhere. I commend it to you and will continue to welcome your comment, advice and counsel as we move forward.

I am deeply grateful for the prayers offered and the diligence shown by members of synod who spoke from their hearts and the courage of their convictions. I am also grateful for the communications I have received from throughout the diocese, not only in light of the current special synod, but throughout the last several years we have addressed this issue. Thank you so very much.
May the Peace of Christ attend us, the Love of God bind us together and the Breath of the Spirit sustain us into a future that is filled with hope and promise.

Pastoral guidelines for same sex marriage (PDF)
Yours Faithfully,                                                                      Bishop Michael

Here is an updated list of dioceses that will marry same-sex couples:
Diocese of Ontario
Diocese of Central Newfoundland
Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Diocese of Western Newfoundland
Diocese of New Westminster
Diocese of Toronto
Diocese of Niagara
Diocese of Montreal
Diocese of Ottawa
Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
Diocese of Rupert’s Land
Diocese of Kootenay
Diocese of Edmonton
Diocese of B.C.
Diocese of Huron

That hits the 45% mark. Soon it will be more economical to list the dioceses that have not authorised same-sex marriage. Again, this raises the question: why did they bother to hold a vote on this at General Synod and why all the subsequent fuss when it failed to pass?