Although he praised the \u201ctypically Canadian and commendably transparent process\u201d\u009d that led General Synod to the marriage canon vote, he said that the conclusions this process led to\u201d\u201dthat same-sex marriage was theologically possible\u201d\u201d\u201cwould be difficult to receive\u201d\u009d for other parts of the Communion.<\/p>\n
In his comments on the vote itself, he expressed concern over how either a \u201cyes\u201d\u009d or a \u201cno\u201d\u009d would be understood by the wider church.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever you are led by the spirit in your reflection at this synod on the marriage of gays and lesbians in Canada,\u201d\u009d he said, \u201cI pray that your decision may be received in such a way by the provinces of the Communion that it will help, and not hinder, our equally vital agenda to change attitudes that would make people safe.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Idowu-Fearon, who served as bishop of Kaduna in the Church of Nigeria before becoming secretary general in 2015, said it would be \u201cimpossible\u201d\u009d to think about the 77-million member Anglican Communion without noting the \u201chistoric and ongoing\u201d\u009d role Canada has played in it.<\/p>\n