The Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada say that they recognise the \u201cdeep pain\u201d\u009d that will be caused by next year\u2019s General Synod vote on allowing same-sex marriage in Church; and question whether the Synod\u2019s parliamentary-style procedures are \u201cthe most helpful way to discern the mind of the Church, or of the Spirit, in this matter.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
In 2013, Canada\u2019s triennial General Synod approved a resolution asking its Council to prepare and present a motion that would to change the church\u2019s Canon 21 \u201cto allow the marriage of same-sex couples in the same way as opposite-sex couples\u201d\u009d with \u201ca conscience clause so that no member of the clergy, bishop, congregation or diocese should be constrained to participate in or authorize such marriages against the dictates of their conscience.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
That motion is due to be debated when the Synod next meets in Toronto from 7 to 13 July 2016. As a doctrinal matter, if approved, the motion would be sent to the provincial synods for information and would need to approved again by the General Synod in 2019 before it would take effect.<\/p>\n