They also reviewed their statement from their most recent meeting, last April, which said that the bishops \u201chope\u201d\u009d that the sacraments of baptism, communion and confirmation would not be denied due to sexual orientation. Several bishops said they received criticism over the use of the word \u201chope\u201d\u009d and the word should be stronger. However, they decided not to begin editing their statement and agreed each bishop could issue statements to their clergy that more strongly-worded. Some bishops have already done so.<\/p>\n
The statement also urged bishops \u201cto develop the most generous pastoral response possible (to same-sex couples) within the current teaching of the church\u201d\u009d then cited such examples as celebrating a eucharist with a civilly-married gay couple; they may not perform a nuptial blessing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no problem with a \u201d\u02dcgenerous pastoral response\u2019 but I don\u2019t and cannot accept homosexual behavior,\u201d\u009d said suffragan bishop Larry Robertson of the Arctic. \u201cWhat got missed is people who are same-sex attracted but choose not to pursue it. They feel totally left out and misunderstood,\u201d\u009d said Archbishop Terrence Buckle of the Yukon.<\/p>\n
However, Bishop Burton said that \u201cpart of what bishops do\u201d\u009d is \u201crespond pastorally to different situations.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n