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.
Rules? Who needs rules?
TEc2.0.
Next, cOE.
“While no clergy will be required to officiate…”
This simply appears to be self-righteous preening. Bp Chapman’s carefree departure from biblical Christianity renders his oversight and communion a severe challenge, if not intolerable, for any hapless faithful clergy that happen to remain.