While the Anglican Church of Canada prepares to vote this week on whether to let priests bless same-sex couples, a relaxed Christopher McBain is celebrating Edmonton’s gay pride week with members of his new church.<\/p>\n
The former Anglican marched Saturday in the gay pride parade behind a banner for the Robertson-Wesley United Church, a church that welcomes gay, lesbian and transgendered people.<\/p>\n
After 15 years as an Anglican, McBain left that church in April 2006.<\/p>\n
“I left because of the gay issue,” said McBain, who said he never felt comfortable telling people in the Anglican Church he is gay.<\/p>\n
The Anglican church’s longtime indecision over the issue has served to alienate supporters on both sides, McBain said.<\/p>\n
“I’ll certainly celebrate with them if they are able to make a decision in favour of gay and lesbian rights, but it certainly won’t affect where I worship. It’s too little, too late,” said McBain, 27.<\/p>\n
The issue of blessing same-sex unions is slated to go before the Anglican Church’s General Synod, the governing body of the Anglican Church of Canada, which begins its weeklong meeting in Winnipeg on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
About 350 delegates representing bishops, clergy and lay people will discuss a so-called “local option” resolution that would let each diocese decide whether to perform the blessings.<\/p>\n
Critics have said such a move would split the church.<\/p>\n