The Anglican Church of Canada’s proposal to change the marriage canon to permit same sex couples to marry is supposed to be preceded by a “broad consultation” among those who are still its members. I think the whole exercise is a smoke screen to conceal the fact that the decision has already been made, but if it isn’t, what will the commission do with the submissions? Tally the for and against and go with the winner: theology through democracy, the next step in secularising the church?
You can read the submissions here.
I just took a look at the submissions and I really like this process. I have the opportunity to read concise and (mostly) well-written arguments from every point of view without name calling and pithy statements. Then, I can critically examine the different perspectives and to compare it to scripture. It’s brilliant really.
My only question, as David pointed out, is how the statements will be used. And this is an important unknown.
But until then, I find this a fascinating learning process for understanding how other believers can interpret the Bible so differently than me.
Hi EdAnglican: Personally I would not be able to participate in this process because I do not know Hebrew or Greek. To me it is important to understand the Holy Bible in the original languages.
While not endorsing either this anti-Biblical enterprise or its equally anti-Biblical method, take heart, the Pentecostal Promise of Acts 2 overcomes the linguistic barrier otherwise applicable. Blessings.
I agree that knowing Hebrew and Greek are helpful (I’ve actually studied both). But I don’t think that this is required to participate in this discussion (as Abigail notes below).
I’ve read all of the submissions so far. All points of view are expressed. Some submissions are poorly written and do not refer to scripture at all. What I find really interesting are the submissions that use scripture to argue their viewpoint. I personally am on the “marriage is between a man & woman” side but I am also from a generation (under 45) that doesn’t see the it as a major issue worth splitting over (kind of equivalent to the issue of divorce and remarriage for many of us). My ACoC church is on the conservative side and we don’t often hear from those that argue for same sex marriage (this may surprise some of you on this forum). So I am taking the opportunity to understand their Biblical argument so that I can be better informed and understand how we differ. It’s much easier mock them and brush them off as non-Christians than to take the time to understand how they study the Bible and come to such a different conclusion.
The crux of sound (as in Reformed) Biblical interpretation is to allow Him to interpret Himself:
compare Himself to Himself, The Living WORD,
all by the Promised ‘Perspective’ of The Holy Spirit. + John 14-17.
No “conversations”, “submissions” and tally thereof required;
only a repentant and believing heart, soul and mind.
Thus comes true unity in The Holy Spirit. + John 17:17,21-
“Sanctify them through Thy Truth:Thy WORD is Truth…that they all may be one.”
Those in favor of revising the Marriage Canon (and I am sure they are a majority left in the ACoC) should just come out and admit the truth. They are not interested in reforming the denomination. They are demolishing it and starting a new one, even if they do get to keep the bricks and mortar. Their concern for, “unity” is a lie.
Personally I am not in favour of the process of asking submissions from everybody. I prefer to let the experts to work on it. Let me explain. Since 1966, I have accepted the 39 Articles of Religion (1563) and I trust the documents were written by people who knew the Holy Bible in the original languages. I trust they were men of great faith. Also, I see no reasons why we should change the existing Marriage Canon today.
http://webspace.webring.com/people/rs/ssb1/
This entire exercise is nothing but an attempt to convince the average parishioner in the pew to agree with the worhip of “political correctness” (a deceptive term on its own right). If the Primate and the other so-called bishops were doing their duty and obeying the vows made both at their ordination and again at their consecration there would be no need to review this matter as the teaching of Scripture is clear. The fact that some of the so-called bishops believe otherwise does not detract from the truth. The ACoC is in dire need of a thorough housecleaning that would remove many of the so-called bishops, including the Primate, from office. I they were honourable they would simply resign.
The ACoC has been successful in the civil courts in legally stealing properties for which they made no contribution and this current approach is nothing but an attempt to divert believers from the truth.
Hi All
I was just reading the latest submissions and I noticed that at least one was written by a former ACoC member. (http://www.anglican.ca/about/files/2014/05/6-9-2014-Matthew-Shawn-Dumouchel-Toronto.pdf)
I would assume that this would give precedence for many of you to also place submissions.