Ottawa Anglicans OK gay unions
CORNWALL . The Anglican diocese of Ottawa approved blessings of same-sex marriages by a vote of 177 to 97 Saturday, making it the first in Canada to support some sort of church recognition of gay marriage.
Bishop John Chapman said in a press conference after the vote that the final decision on whether to bless the marriages still rests with him, and he expects to take his time making that decision. He wants to talk to other bishops, both nationally and internationally, before going ahead with a policy.
The motion did not call for the marriage of gay couples in Anglican churches, or even the right to have civil ceremonies blessed later in church. It just means that the diocese has indicated that it would like priests to be able to ask the bishop to bless such a marriage, should their parish approve.
The meeting of about 300 clergy and lay people heard about three hours of moving discussion on both sides of the debate. One minister talked about how his gay son automatically bridles at the sight of a cross on a stranger's neck because he never knows how he will be received.
Others feared support for gay marriage would further divide the church and drive away many members. Almost all those against the motion said gay marriage goes against the teachings of the Bible. Ottawa Anglicans OK gay unionsOttawa Citizen
Bishop John Chapman said in a press conference after the vote that the final decision on whether to bless the marriages still rests with him, and he expects to take his time making that decision. He wants to talk to other bishops, both nationally and internationally, before going ahead with a policy.
The motion did not call for the marriage of gay couples in Anglican churches, or even the right to have civil ceremonies blessed later in church. It just means that the diocese has indicated that it would like priests to be able to ask the bishop to bless such a marriage, should their parish approve.
The meeting of about 300 clergy and lay people heard about three hours of moving discussion on both sides of the debate. One minister talked about how his gay son automatically bridles at the sight of a cross on a stranger's neck because he never knows how he will be received.
Others feared support for gay marriage would further divide the church and drive away many members. Almost all those against the motion said gay marriage goes against the teachings of the Bible. Ottawa Anglicans OK gay unions
posted by thomas c jackson at
10/13/2007 02:52:00 PM
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