That means that the Diocese of Niagara has usurped New West\u2019s position as the most liberal diocese in Canada.<\/p>\n
From here<\/a>:<\/p>\n First, during this three-year period we will strengthen what we offer all couples who seek marriage or the blessing of their marriage in the church. I will convene a group to create standards and develop or refine materials to assist all couples in preparing for their making monogamous, lifelong commitments of fidelity to each other.<\/p>\n Second, we will abide by what General Synod decided, that is, during this three-year period we will hold off on our clergy officiating at the marriage of same-sex couples, preserving this period as a time to study, reflect, discern and pray for General Synod 2019 and its decisions. I, myself, did vote for the change in the Marriage Canon and do believe that offering marriage to same-sex couples within the Church is an expression of the Gospel.\u00a0 At the same time, as your bishop I feel I should respect and abide by the full resolution as passed at General Synod 2016.<\/p>\n Third, building on the work already done in this diocese, I will authorize new liturgies for the blessing of marriages that enhance and maximize what we as church do and keep to a minimum what marriage commissioners do. These liturgies will be available for the use of clergy and parishes who would find them helpful and for all couples who are duly qualified to enter into civil marriage.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" That means that the Diocese of Niagara has usurped New West\u2019s position as the most liberal diocese in Canada. From here: First, during this three-year period we will strengthen what we offer all couples who seek marriage or the blessing … Continue reading