Bishops in rebellion

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Liberal bishops love to brag about how they are committed to “walking together” with the rest of the Anglican Communion in spite of radically different views of human sexuality – and, therefore, human nature itself, God’s created order and ultimately the nature of God and his relationship to the church.

It is ironic, then, that the most liberal bishops in the Anglican Church of Canada can’t even “walk together” with their own national church. Many have announced that they intend to defy the  synod of the national church by marrying same sex couples.

Here is a list of bishops who have declared their intention to begin same sex marriages or explore the measures necessary to begin them:

Michael Bird, Niagara
Colin Johnson, Toronto
John Chapman, Ottawa
Jane Alexander, Edmonton
Mary Irwin-Gibson, Montreal
Melissa Skelton, New Westminster
Robert Bennett and Linda Nicholls, Huron

I expect more will follow and I’ll add to the list as they do.

Diocese of Montreal to proceed with same-sex marriage

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Not a surprise.

As reported by the CBC:

The head of the Anglican church in Montreal says she will allow her clergy to perform same-sex marriages, even though church leaders shot down marriage reform at a national meeting on Monday.

Mary Irwin-Gibson, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal, will join Ottawa Bishop John Chapman in rejecting a decision by the church’s General Synod, which won’t recognize same-sex marriage.

[….]

”In terms of practical terms, for our diocese, I will be allowing some same-gender marriages to happen after I’ve discussed it with the clergy, and when the clergy come to me individually,” Irwin-Gibson told CBC Montreal’s Daybreak.

Diocese of Edmonton working out next steps towards same-sex marriage

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Here is Bishop Jane Alexander’s statement:

Statement from Bishop Jane Alexander in response to General Synod’s decision last night not to amend the Marriage Canon:
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
I write to you from General Synod in Toronto. By now most of you will have seen or heard the results of our discussions on the proposed amendment to the marriage canon, Canon 21, that took place yesterday. I share with you quite openly that :
• I am sick at heart for the outcome of the vote that defeated the motion.
• I am sick at heart, because an opportunity to discuss the Canon and engage with the Report of the Marriage Commission for the next three years was not endorsed by the Synod.
• I am sick at heart that many people in the church will feel that they are not loved or valued and that the church has said that we have no need of you.
• I am sick at heart because as of this moment, Tuesday morning, there is a sense of exclusion for many people.

However, I want to tell you brothers and sisters of some fairly amazing things which happened.
• The General Synod voted overwhelmingly in favour of adopting the amendment, 72%. I want to tell you that I think this shows the will of the church and a desire to keep engaged and to keep talking about how we reach out sacramentally to our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. It is a peculiarity of our voting system on these types of resolutions that a single vote in a single house could defeat the motion.
• We heard some extraordinarily moving, profound, biblical and faith based testimonies from members of synod who hold quite differing positions and we were blessed. This has been our experience in Edmonton.
• The majority of synod delegates were in favour of holding space open in church and walking together with those who disagree profoundly on this issue. This has been our experience in Edmonton.
• Overall there was an increased sense of respect that we are all faithful children of God and that decisions were not being made lightly and without reference to scripture and hours of prayer. This has been our experience in Edmonton.
• The vote itself, 72% in favour across houses, is a testimony to the church that at the very least we want to engage, we want to talk, and we want to include. This is not a church that has said “I have no need of you.”

As many of you know from my comments to you personally, at synods and here at General Synod, I am in favour of being able to offer all of the sacraments of the church to all God’s children. I want to be part of a broad and inclusive church. I ask you to be patient with me as I work out our next steps in the Diocese of Edmonton. All persons who are civilly married can receive the blessing of the church, regardless of gender. No cleric is compelled to bless a marriage, no cleric is forbidden from blessing a marriage.

Every single one of us, lay or ordained, in favour of a change in the definition of marriage or opposed, all of us are compelled to seek the face of Christ in all persons and to love and serve them. All of us are called to uphold the dignity of every human being and through our words and our actions show something of the outrageous and extravagant love of God for his children.

Please know that I love you, and that I ask for your prayers in the days ahead. May God send His healing Spirit upon all who are hurting, or confused and give us all the peace of Christ.
In His Name
+Jane

Diocese of New Westminster considering same-sex marriage

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It seems to me there is little doubt that, along with other liberal dioceses, they will proceed.

Here is the statement from Bishop Melissa Skelton:

Greetings to you all:

On the evening of July 11, 2016 the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada did not garner the votes necessary to change the Marriage Canon to allow for same-sex couples to be married within the Church. The vote was very, very close, failing by only one vote in the order of clergy while passing in both the order of bishops and the order of laity.

While this is deeply disappointing to me and to many others within the Church, I and others am resolute in our desire to find a way forward in achieving equity for all couples seeking the solemnization of their marriages in the Church while at the same time providing for those whose consciences prevent them from participating in marriage or blessing liturgies for same-sex couples. This was the intention of the resolution to change the Marriage Canon; and it remains my intention.

I’m very sorry for the pain this decision has caused and will cause both to members of the LBGTQ community and to those of us who count ourselves as their family members and friends. If it is any comfort at all, please know that the majority of those of us at General Synod very much wanted the resolution to pass.

What I intend to do is the following:

Together with our delegates to Synod, I will consult with a broader circle in our diocese—with our Regional Archdeacons and the Executive Archdeacon, with our Regional Deans, with the Dean of our Diocese (who is also a delegate) and with our Chancellor—about what we discern God is calling us to do going forward in our diocese. At the same time, I will be in touch with our own Archbishop as we do our discernment work.

I am personally committed to supporting couples who desire to make baptismally-grounded, community-supported, lifelong, monogamous commitments to one other within the context of the Church. After listening to some of the discussion at General Synod 2016, I need to add my equal commitment to advocate for diverse ways of interpreting Holy Scripture as it informs the Church’s actions in such matters.

Take heart. This is not over. We have continuing discernment work to do together.

Even as many of us grieve this decision and its consequences, I invite us all to pray for the LGBTQ people of our Church, to pray for those with whom we agree and with whom we disagree on this issue, and to pray for the continued companionship of the Holy Spirit in all our discussions and actions.

In Christ

+Melissa

IX New Westminster

 

Diocese of Huron to proceed with same-sex marriage

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The list of dioceses that intend to perform same-sex marriages continues to grow.

We now have:
Niagara, Toronto (the bishop is considering it), Ottawa and Huron.

The dioceses of BC, Montreal, New Westminster, Kootenay are expected to fall in line shortly:

I expect Logan McMenamie, our Bishop, will issue a statement in the next 24 hours. As will the Archbishop of Toronto, the Bishop of New Westminster, the Bishop of Montreal, the Archbishop of Kootenay, and a host of others. Stay tuned. It isn’t over.

Posted by Bruce Bryant-Scott

From here:

To the Clergy and People of the Diocese of Huron:

As many of you are aware, today a resolution was brought to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada to allow Anglican clergy to marry all eligible couples regardless of gender. It is with sorrow that we share with you that this resolution did not pass in all three orders (lay, clergy and bishops) as required and was, therefore, defeated.

We know that this decision will cause deep hurt to LGTBQ2+ members of our Diocese and to their families, friends and allies. For this we are truly sorry. You are valued members of the Body of Christ and of our diocese. Despite the pain that this decision may cause you, please do not give up on us. Help us know how we may best care for you at this time.

The chancellor of General Synod has indicated that the current marriage canon ‘does not contain either a definition of marriage or a specific prohibition against solemnizing same-sex marriage’. We are also aware that a diocesan bishop may exercise episcopal authority in authorizing liturgies to respond to pastoral needs within their dioceses, in the absence of any actions by the General Synod. We intend to authorize such liturgies once guidelines are in place.

We know, too, that there are members of our Diocese who believe that the General Synod made a faithful decision. One of the gifts and challenges of the Anglican Church is that we can hold divergent views yet still pray together. It is our fervent hope that this continues to be true as we seek our way into the future together.

Please pray for the Church and for our diocese. Pray for our LGTBQ2+ brothers and sisters. Pray for us as we seek to be faithful leaders in the Diocese of Huron. We hold each of you in our prayers and in our hearts. May the God of all grace, heal us, fill us, renew us and empower us that we may continually seek the Spirit of God in our midst and in each other.

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Robert Bennett The Rt. Rev. Linda Nicholls

Bishop John Chapman to proceed with same-sex marriages

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There are now three bishops who have declared that they will proceed with same-sex marriages in spite of the synod vote that failed to approve the marriage canon change: Michael Bird Diocese of Niagara, Colin Johnson Diocese of Toronto and John Chapman Diocese of Ottawa.

I am sure you will not fail to notice the similarity in the wording of the various bishops’ statements, a similarity that speaks of collusion before the synod was even in session.

Chapman’s statement is here (my emphasis):

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ

General Synod is nearing its conclusion. As soon as I am able, I look forward to sharing with you some of the wonderful ministries in which the baptized across our great land continue to engage.

You will be pleased to know that our delegates represented the interests of our diocese ably and well. On behalf of our diocese, may I thank The Venerable David Selzer, The Rev. Beth Bretzlaff, Kim Chadsey, The Rev. Mark Whittall, The Rev. Monique Stone, John McBride, Audrey Lawrence, Jordan Sandrock and Ron Chaplin.

While there is much I would like to tell you now, I think it is safe to say that many of you have followed with interest the conversations, debate and vote concerning the proposed change to the Marriage Canon to allow same sex couples to be married in the church. What follows outlines my pastoral response to this long-standing struggle among the people of God and to the result of today’s vote on the resolution.

First, it is important to be aware of the various comments and decisions that have been made concerning the “place” of LGBTQ individuals within the body of our Anglican family these past number of years. These include:

General Synod 2004 received and passed a resolution stating that we, Affirm the integrity and sanctity of committed adult same sex relationships.

General Synod 2010 allowed with a consensus decision, that each diocese within our Anglican Church of Canada may choose to bless same sex unions.

The Council of General Synod 2016, our “Synod” between General Synods, said to the Church in March 2016 regarding the proposed change to our Marriage Canon that:
We recommend the greatest pastoral response possible, allowing same-sex couples to be fully included in the life of our church with full and equal access to its liturgies and pastoral offices.

The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz said in his challenging and wise sermon at the opening Eucharist of General Synod:
This [General Synod] is the body that through its history has also wrestled with numerous issues within the Church and in the world at large over which we have often found ourselves in deep disagreement. Many of the issues have centered around inclusion—the place of women in the councils of the Church, the place of women as priests and bishops, the place of young people and their voice and vote, the place of children at the Eucharistic table, the place of those married and divorced and wanting to marry again, the place of religious communities whose life transcends diocesan boundaries, the place of Indigenous Peoples from status as observers, to guests, to partners, to members in Synod, and the place of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning people within the Church and their equality of access to all the ministrations of the Church including the solemnizing of their marriages.

The Parliament of Canada, in 2005 introduced Bill C-38 The Civil Marriage Act, providing for the marriage of same sex couple. This was passed by the House of Commons in June of 2005, and in July of 2005 passed the Senate of Canada, received Royal Assent and affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada. While these institutions are not ecclesial in nature, they are of course entrusted with the well-being, safety and inclusion of all Canadians, all the people of God.  As people of God, we know that God calls our civic representatives to the work that they do on behalf of us all.

It is time my friends. It is past time.

When the vote was announced I was extremely disappointed. However it is also true that a very significant majority (70%) of General Synod delegates have voted in favour of authorizing same sex marriages. This is good news.  Unfortunately, a change to Marriage Canon XXI will not happen at this time. While a strong majority voted in favour in each of the orders of Bishops, Clergy and Laity, the two-thirds threshold required in the Order of Clergy for changing a Canon fell short by one vote.

It is now up to and within the authority of a diocesan bishop to respond in a manner that they deem appropriate.

It is my intention, in consultation with and in partnership with a number of other diocesan bishops to proceed with same sex marriages immediately within the Diocese of Ottawa. While no clergy will be required to officiate at a same sex marriage, those willing may do so with my permission.  

This is a pastoral decision that is necessary at this time in our history as a diocese and as a church. 

My sisters and brothers, I continue to pray for our church and for our diocese as we strive to respond faithfully to the great work that we are called to do in the name of Jesus in these changing yet exciting times.

Archbishop Colin Johnson to proceed with same-sex marriage

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Toronto bishop, Colin Johnson, states his intention to ignore the synod vote and go ahead with same-sex marriages.

The in-vogue euphemism is “thoughtful pastoral response” – an updated version of “generous pastoral response”.

Here is a transcript:

General Synod has voted by a majority but unfortunately an insufficient majority to change the Marriage Canon at this time.  This news will be devastating to the LGBTQ community, and to the many clergy and Anglicans who support them, including myself.

This “No” vote recognizes that, like Canadian society at large, our Church is not of the same mind on this issue.

As a Christian, a bishop and a Canadian, I believe this is the time to amend our Marriage Canon – and I have spoken about this in today’s debate.  My belief about this has evolved in recent years upon reflection on scripture, prayer and discussions with people across the diocese and the wider church.

Having witnessed discussions, debates and today’s vote, it is my conviction that a thoughtful pastoral response is now required for our LGBTQ  brothers and sisters who are members of the Diocese of Toronto.

The integrity and sanctity of same-sex relationships was affirmed by our church in 2004.  I know there will be some among you who will disagree with me, but I do believe that the logical next step would be to permit same-sex marriages in the Church at the pastoral discretion of the Bishop and with the agreement of local clergy.  This is an option I will be considering in the coming weeks.

I am advised that this option would not contravene the Marriage Canon, and I am confident it would be supported by the majority – even if not all – of our bishops, clergy, laity and the wider community.

I also respect that there are other convictions.  No one will be obligated to act against their conscience.  At my consecration as Bishop, I took a solemn vow to preserve the unity of our church, and that vow is central to my vocation. We are loyal members of a national church and the worldwide Anglican Communion, and in spite of obvious and understandable frustrations and anger, I believe we can and will find a way forward together. If we do this together, it will be far better than if we do it apart.

I want to underline that even if we do not agree on today’s vote, we continue to be united in the most central aspects of our faith – our baptism in Jesus Christ and our commitment to serve His people.  Because we are united at this level, we can continue to work through these important issues together – a challenge I embrace and look forward to.

Change to the centuries-old institution of marriage has come quickly, and all of us are at different points of the journey. We will continue this crucial discussion in the coming weeks, and I will be issuing a further statement at that time.

Bishop Michael Bird to proceed with same-sex marriage

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The voting on the marriage canon change is only just over and the Diocese of Niagara bishop, Michael Bird, has already declared that he intends to ignore the vote and go ahead anyway. He claims that “several other bishops” will do likewise, confirming the prediction by Fred Hiltz that, if the motion fails, there will be “civil disobedience”.

Somehow Bird has managed to squeeze from the absence of any motion or canon explicitly forbidding same-sex marriage, the idea that he has tacit authority to proceed. In other words, anything not expressly forbidden by the canons is permitted. As Ivan Karamazov almost said: “If the Canon does not exist, everything is permitted.”

Why did they bother with a vote in the first place? Why even have a synod?

The rule of chaos begins in the Anglican Church of Canada; perhaps I should say “continues”.

From here (my emphasis):

STATEMENT BY THE BISHOP OF NIAGARA

The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada has narrowly voted against a change in the marriage canon that would have enshrined equal marriage within our national canons. This decision is deeply regrettable and inconsistent with the ever more inclusive witness of our Church that has inspired this synod’s theme: “You are my witnesses” (Isaiah 43).

The Report of the Commission on the Marriage Canon, ‘This Holy Estate’, provides a sound and compelling mandate to move forward with an understanding of the sacrament of marriage that is inclusive for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. Over the past few months I have heard from an unprecedented number of faithful people from across the Anglican Church of Canada expressing support for this vision which upholds the dignity of every human being. I am also mindful that it has been over a decade, in 2004, that our Church affirmed the “integrity and sanctity of committed adult same-sex relationships.”

In the words of David Jones, the chancellor of General Synod, our current marriage canon “does not contain either a definition of marriage or a specific prohibition against solemnizing same-sex marriage.” At the same time, it is clear that our Anglican conventions permit a diocesan bishop to exercise episcopal authority by authorizing liturgies to respond to pastoral needs within their dioceses, in the absence of any actions by this General Synod to address these realities.

Accordingly, and in concert with several other bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, it is my intention to immediately exercise this authority to respond to the sacramental needs of the LGBTQ2 community in the Diocese of Niagara. In the absence of any nationally approved liturgy, I am authorizing The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage and The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 2 for use in our diocese. These newly created rites of The Episcopal Church in the United States of America may be used for the marriage of any duly qualified couples. Clergy intending to use these rites will, for the time being, be required to notify the Bishop’s Office in advance.

I offer this witness to the transformational power of God’s inclusive love while acknowledging the considerable differences that exist within our beloved Church. My sincere hope is that God’s grace will inspire all Canadian Anglicans to continue to break bread together in the days ahead. I want to say, as a bishop charged with guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the Church, that I solemnly pledge to do my part to ensure that this is indeed the case.

Please join me in praying for God’s constant presence, guidance, and comfort as we move forward.  Pray for our Church: local, national and universal; as its discernment continues on this matter. And my dear friends pray especially for the global LGBTQ2 community that continues to face unjust and often horrific discrimination, oppression and violence for openly being the people God created them to be.