The synod of the diocese of Ottawa, by an overwhelming vote of 177 to 97, today approved a motion requesting its bishop to allow clergy \u201cwhose conscience permits, to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized\u201d\u009d and to authorize rites for such blessings.<\/p>\n
But despite what he called a \u201cstrong majority\u201d\u009d (65 per cent in favour) and \u201ca clear directive,\u201d\u009d the diocesan bishop, John Chapman, cautioned that the approved motion was only \u201ca recommendation and is not binding on the diocese or bishop.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, he said, it gave him an indication of the feeling of the diocese on the issue. He said that while there was a sense that \u201cit\u2019s not helpful for us to walk alone,\u201d\u009d the vote also indicated that, \u201cwe\u2019re not afraid to walk alone.\u201d\u009d (Opponents of same-sex blessings warn that churches and dioceses who move forward with the issue would cut themselves off from the Anglican Communion.)<\/p>\n
After the vote, Bishop Chapman told a news conference he could not say when he would announce his decision on the motion, adding that he would take the matter to the House of Bishops, which meets later this month. He added that there would be more consultations with the diocese, and other Anglicans both at the national and international level. \u201cI really don\u2019t know when I\u2019ll make a decision. I just want to see the ground settle,\u201d\u009d he said, adding that his immediate concern was \u201cfor those who voted in opposition to the motion; I want to make sure that they\u2019re okay.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n