The Diocese of Niagara will go ahead with the blessing of gay civil marriages, the Rt Rev Michael Bird wrote to his diocese on the eve of its Nov 7-8 synod in Hamilton, Ontario.Citing similar decisions taken by the dioceses of Montreal and Ottawa last month, Bishop Bird said he believed the diocese were “among those who have been called by God to speak with a prophetic voice on this subject.
“I, therefore, intend to ask for a rite to be developed for the blessing of same-sex couples who have been civilly married, along with a process to enable these blessings to take place that will at the same time honour the diversity of tradition and theology that exists across Niagara,” he said.
At its 2007 meeting, by a vote of 239-53 the synod asked the bishops to allow those clergy "whose conscience permits" to bless gay marriages. However, the Canadian House of Bishops at their Oct 2008 by a “large majority” called for a stay of liturgical innovations for gay weddings. Canada’s General Synod would take up the issue in 2010, the bishops said.
Upon his return from the Niagara Falls meeting of the House of Bishops, Bishop Bird voiced his “profound disappointment” with his colleague’s decision to take no action, noting he did “not support the moratoria as it has been articulated,” he said. “Even more disappointing is the fact that an opportunity has been missed to find a creative and generous solution to one of the most momentous challenges our church has faced in many years.”
Bishop Bird said that he told the bishops that “I do not believe that this statement honours the faithfulness that the diocese of Niagara has brought to this particular issue. I do not believe that it honours the faithfulness we have offered to the Anglican Church of Canada. I do not believe that it honours God’s mission for the diocese of Niagara as we have discerned it.”
During the Niagara synod, Bishop Bird reported that Canadian Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, had telephoned to offer his “profound support” in the wake of his protest. Archbishop Hiltz promised to visit the diocese on Jan 15 and speak with concerned Anglicans.
Delegates to the synod offered a mixed response to Bishop Birds plans for gay marriage in Niagara. According to reports published by the diocese, one delegate said that while his parish supported gay blessings, and supported the “bishop’s ministry and initiatives,” it was concerned that going ahead with the blessings without the backing of the bishops or General Synod would “do severe damage to our church.” “We believe it is the right way to go --- but not now but not yet,” the delegate said.
A traditionally minded member of synod said he was “shocked that as this time you would choose to setup a rite,” noting that “everyone at General Synod said not to proceed. The vision is about developing partnerships. We are not showing respect for our partnerships,” he argued.
However, the majority of synod appeared to back the bishop’s decision, and offered thanks for “letting us go ahead.”
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(Source: RI)