The Synod of the Diocese of British Columbia is meeting this weekend in Victoria. A motion on same-sex blessings is to be presented, information concerning which was posted earlier today at The Webelf Report. Here is the full text of the post:
The Diocese of British Columbia holds its 91st Synod starting today, Friday, June 1st from 7:00 p.m. through Saturday June 2nd at 5:00 p.m. in Victoria. The motion (below) has been sent to the Synod Office today (May, 31, 2007). Your prayers are earnestly requested throughout the Synod.
Be it resolved that this Synod agrees with the Synod of the Diocese of Yukon, in response to the St. Michael Report, affirming the following:
a) that the biblical understanding of marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others;
b) that the blessing of same-sex unions is an important doctrinal matter which runs counter to Scripture and the current doctrine and Canon of Marriage within the Anglican Church of Canada;
c) that there is hope for healing and transformation of all sexual brokenness and sin through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Moved: The Ven. Sharon Hayton
Seconded: The Rev. Ron Corcoran
At the time of writing, the synod meeting is scheduled to conclude in about two hours, so the motion may already have been voted on. No current information concerning this year’s synod is posted at the Diocese of British Columbia’s website, so who knows?
I am informed that Archbishop Terry Buckle, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC & Yukon, is attending BC Synod this weekend. I spoke with him after the Diocese of Yukon Synod passed its motion last month, and he was very pleased. I imagine he is even more pleased that Anglican clergy in another diocese have been led to recommend our motion for adoption.
At the same time, however, the motion may have a rough ride in the Diocese of British Columbia, led as it is by liberal bishop The Rt Rev James Cowan, who is on record opposing the Anglican Network in Canada.
The Diocese of British Columbia covers Vancouver Island. (A map of ecclesiastical provinces and dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada is available here).
h/t: Binky
Previous related post: Yukon Diocesan Synod passes resolution on same-sex blessings
UPDATE (2 Jun.): The motion didn't get far. A poll of delegates showed that a slim majority favours implementation of same-sex blessings ASAP.









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