National Context of the Anglican Church of Canada
History of Statements and Resolutions about Homosexuality from the Anglican Church of Canada General Synod and House of Bishops:
History of Statements and Resolutions on Homosexuality
From 2019 all the way back to 1979...
Check out some bonus photos of Proud Anglicans from across the country participating in pride events!
After the vote to change the marriage canon failed by a couple of votes in the House of Bishops [see our "Marriage Canon" and "A Word to the Church" sections], the House of Bishops released a statement affirming "A Word to the Church" and the idea of local option. The full statement can be found here:
General Synod passes Resolution C003, which directs the Council of General Synod to prepare and present a motion at General Synod 2016 to change the Marriage Canon to allow the marriage of same-sex couples. The motion should include a conscience clause and confirm immunity under civil law, demonstrate broad consultation in its preparation, explain how it does not contravene the Solemn Declaration, and provide a biblical and theological rationale for this change in teaching on the nature of Christian marriage.
A Commission to carry out this resolution was established by Council of General Synod in November 2013.
The resulting report, the Galilee Report, is released. It includes a consensus response in the (short) paper “Integrity and Sanctity” followed by a number of individual papers by members as well as invited responses to them. Being more of a compilation of individual papers and responses, it neither drew conclusions nor made recommendations.
In advance of General Synod, the House of Bishops released a statement advocating “the most generous pastoral response possible within the current teaching of the church” to requests for the blessing of same-sex unions. A pastoral response may include celebrating a Eucharist with the couple, including appropriate intercessory prayers, but not including the exchange of vows or a nuptial blessing.
At General Synod, the conclusion reached by the St. Michael Report was accepted. A motion to affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same-sex unions was defeated. The Primate’s Theological Commission (chaired by Bishop Linda
Nicholls) was asked to reflect on two questions in advance of the next General Synod:
- the theological question of whether the blessing of same-sex unions is a faithful, Spirit-led development of Christian doctrine; and
- Scripture’s witness to the integrity of every human person and the question of the sanctity of human relationships.
The St. Michael Report concludes that the blessing of committed same-sex unions is a matter of doctrine, but not core doctrine (i.e., it is not credal).
A Resolution was approved at General Synod that “affirm[ed] the integrity and sanctity of committed adult same sex relationships,” affirmed the need for adequate episcopal oversight and pastoral care for all, as members of one another in Christ Jesus, and called for further dialogue and study. The original resolution contained a clause affirming the right of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same sex unions; a motion to defer this clause was moved and carried. The deferring motion also requested that the Primate’s Theological Commission consider and report whether the blessing of committed same-sex unions is a matter of doctrine.
House of Bishops Statement on Human Sexuality affirms the traditional teaching that only the sexual union of male and female can find appropriate expression within the covenant of Holy Matrimony. While recognizing that some homosexuals live in committed sexual relationships for mutual support, help, and comfort, the statement calls for study and dialogue; “We are not ready to authorize the blessing of relationships between persons of the same sex.”
General Synod approves motion to affirm the presence and contributions of gay men and lesbians in the life of the Church. A motion for the Doctrine & Worship Committee to consult broadly within the Church concerning liturgical recognition of committed monogamous same-gender unions and report at the next General Synod was tabled (and not voted on).
Resolution (“Statement on Sexuality”) by the House of Bishops to accept homosexuals as equal before God but not to accept homosexual activity or the blessing of homosexual unions.