From Saanich News:<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the general synod they will decide whether there is to be no progress or whether we\u2019re to go ahead and have that discussion,\u201d\u009d said Rev. Ken Gray of Church of the Advent in Colwood. \u201cSome of us feel that failure to proceed with the blessing of same-sex unions at this time will perpetuate a historical injustice.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The Anglican church\u2019s crisis of conscience over same-sex marriage began in earnest in 2002, when the Diocese of New Westminster started performing same-sex marriage ceremonies. One of the clergy who pushed for that decision was the Very Rev. Peter Elliott, the openly gay Dean of Vancouver\u2019s Christ Church Cathedral and senior member of the Anglican Church in Canada. More controversy followed in 2003 when gay priest Gene Robinson was ordained Bishop of New Hampshire.<\/p>\n
The two actions, in defiance of church policy, sparked controversy among Anglicans world-wide, with North Americans and Europeans split on the issue and African and Southeast Asian nations deeply opposed to gay marriage as contrary to Biblical teaching.<\/p>\n
Rev. Ron Corcoran of St. Matthias Church in Oak Bay said leaving the church may be his only option should the Anglican leaders order all priests to bless same-sex unions.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody can force me to marry anybody,\u201d\u009d he said. \u201cIt comes down to being obedient to my bishops. When I can\u2019t be obedient to my bishops, then it will be time to leave.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
However for Rev. David Opheim, assistant priest of Victoria\u2019s Christ Church Cathedral, the church\u2019s existing position lost relevance long ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no question what we\u2019re doing is a violation of human rights,\u201d\u009d Opheim said, expressing concern that the church will make it optional to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re still dealing with not going far enough. There is still the option of the diocese opting out.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n