Scott at Magic Statistics blog has the full text of Abp. Terry Buckle’s post-General Synod letter to Yukon clergy. Here’s an excerpt:
There were resolutions dealing with the blessing of same sex unions. These resolutions brought about much debate from General Synod Delegates. A resolution was passed that stated:
“That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine, in the sense of being creedal, of the Anglican Church of Canada.”
However a resolution failed to be passed which stated:
“That this General Synod affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same sex unions.”
Another resolution coming out of this discussion was passed in relation to the Marriage Canon of our church. This resolution as passed states:
“That this General Synod request the Council of General Synod to consider a revision of Canon 21 (On Marriage) including theological rationale to allow marriage of all legally qualified persons and to report back to General Synod 2010.”
The passing of these resolutions has now affirmed that the blessing of committed same sex unions is doctrine but not in conflict with the core or creedal doctrine of the Anglican Church of Canada. This means that the blessing of committed same sex unions is considered doctrine of importance but not of the greater importance of creedal (core) doctrine: (Like the Divinity of Christ for example)
The above mentioned resolution that failed to pass has prohibited dioceses from proceeding at this time with the blessing of same sex unions.
The passing of the resolution on the revision of Canon 21 on Marriage has requested the Council of General Synod to consider a revision of the Marriage Canon and to provide a theological rationale to allow marriage of all legally qualified persons. The Council of General Synod is to report back to General Synod 2010.
The resulting consequence of the voting results of these resolutions leaves many with a sense of confusion and uncertainty as we seek to keep together and work together as a church over the next three years until General Synod 2010. Our church is hurting, it feels torn, people are weary of the matter and in the days ahead we will see how the rest of the Anglican Communion reacts to these resolutions of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Read the full letter at Magic Statistics
[i]The above mentioned resolution that failed to pass has prohibited dioceses from proceeding at this time with the blessing of same sex unions.[/i] To say that others will disagree is a supreme understatement. It is full speed ahead.
Three other letters (+Matthews, Edmonton; +Johnson, Toronto; +Hoskin, Calgary) are now in circulation:
here
I read the Victoria Matthews letter. Correct me if I am wrong, but the entire explanation seemed like a prolonged waffle, a cutting and slicing of definitions so that incommensurable parts are made to seem congruent – and extended hairsplitting that manages to give the Canadian church everything it wants without any price. Am I misreading this? LM