In the wake of July\u2019s vote on same-sex marriages at General Synod, Indigenous Anglicans intend to \u201cproceed towards self-determination with urgency,\u201d\u009d the Anglican Church of Canada\u2019s three Indigenous bishops say.<\/p>\n
General Synod voted this summer to provisionally approve changes to the marriage canon, which would allow same-sex marriages. The proposed changes must pass a second reading, slated for the next General Synod in 2019, before they can take effect.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, September 22, National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald; Bishop Lydia Mamakwa, of the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh; and Bishop Adam Halkett, of Missinipi, released ajoint statement they say was requested by an Indigenous circle that met after the results of July\u2019s vote were revealed. The bishops begin by saying that they do not speak for all Indigenous peoples, although, they add, they have consulted \u201cbroadly and deeply\u201d\u009d with many. The statement voices displeasure both with the decision and the process it was made, and expresses desire for a more self-determined Indigenous Anglican community in Canada.<\/p>\n