That means that the Diocese of Niagara has usurped New West’s 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 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.
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. At the same time, as your bishop I feel I should respect and abide by the full resolution as passed at General Synod 2016.
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.
Most likely, one-third of the Canadian Dioceses will allow same-sex marriages three years from now. Local option will reign forever. Some people think they don’t need to listen to God or God’s Word.
Will the churches be preaching abstinence until marriage?
They should also teach that having sex on Sunday is a grave sin that that Missionary is the only position acceptable
LMAO !!
The so-called bishop clearly worships “political correctness” and definitely not only feels she does not need to listen to THE WORD but considers her word superior. Just further proof that the ACoC has lost any claim to be Christian regardless of any symbols suggesting otherwise. By her own words she considered Michael Ingham did not go far enough in his apostasy which clearly shows the path in which she is leading the diocese.
Melissa is my bishop, I know her slightly, and I do not consider her unteachable. If she’d just get around to reading what I have given her she’d perhaps reform. We do need to pray more.
She may well be your bishop but with her attitude I do not see her to be teachable particularly when she considers her apostate predecessor Michael Ingham did not go far enough. Until and unless she repents which would include returning legally stolen properties I cannot possibly consider her as bishop – definitely not as a Christian. She clearly worships that deceptive god – notice the small “g” – political correctness.
The diocese of Montreal does not perform marriages at all, they bless civil marriages instead and everybody’s happy… religious institutions should stay away from acts of civil law
Since mid-1970s, I have come to conclusion that the church should get out of the marriage business. The church’s business is preaching the Gospel, not marrying people, Christians or non-Christians. Let the state take care of the marriage business. When one gets a divorce, he/she goes to the state, not the church, for approval.