January 2010 CoGS Wheels

I came away from the CoGS meeting in November with an overall sense of hope and optimism. There are significant indicators that General Synod 2010 will be historic; introducing improvements in financial management, new directions in national philanthropy and governance, and for innovative strategic planning that is the potential of Vision 2019. There is an increasing focus on Mission, on youth, on our partnerships with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and our role on the international stage in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The November details are well summarized at http://www.anglican.ca/ about/cogs/highlights/index.htm.

There remains however an issue with which CoGS is struggling along with the rest of the church, and indeed the entire Anglican Communion. The "elephant in the room" is the full recognition of GLBT people in the life of the church. In particular the question of blessing same-sex unions is causing an increasing paralysis that we see nationally, and a terrible sense of weariness that begs for relief. It has particular consequences for Kootenay Anglicans.

You will recall that Diocesan Synod in May 2009 overwhelmingly (90.2%) asked that a Memorial (Resolution) be sent to General Synod 2010 asking for authorization for the diocese "to make provision for the blessing of same-sex couples following their duly solemnized and registered civil marriage, where at least one party has been baptized." The Chancellor of General Synod advised us later that the motion would likely be considered out of order because General Synod does not "authorize" diocesan actions. It does establish what is doctrine, and at General Synod 2007 the blessing of same-sex unions was determined to be "doctrine, although not core doctrine in the sense of being creedal." Dioceses are free to declare their authority on the issue. Several Canadian Dioceses (New Westminster, Niagara, Montreal, and Ottawa) have clearly expressed their positions, and unless General Synod specifically rules that such actions are unconstitutional, they are not violating the Canons.

However, the Constitution of Kootenay contains a clause that arguably compels us to recognize the authority of General Synod for doctrinal matters. The national Chancellor did advise us that a resolution seeking the "affirmation" of General Synod would be considered in order although he has a problem why such a motion would not include all dioceses.

We return to the September action of CoGS, which declared, "that this is not the time to ask General Synod to amend the Marriage Canon to allow for the marriage of same-sex couples." At the meeting in November, the Faith, Worship and Ministry Standing Committee led a discussion to determine how General Synod delegates should address sexuality issues. The conclusion was that the best format would be indaba-style (facilitated groups) discernment groups producing NO resolutions. Citing the need for much more discussion, national church is clearly caught in a dilemma; passing any resolutions on same-sex blessings would break an international moratorium established by the Anglican Communion, and failing to endorse a blessing resolution would be chastising and minimizing support for Canadian dioceses that have already acted, or are poised for Episcopal concurrence (approval of the Bishop).

Recently Diocesan Council decided not to withdraw our Synod resolution, but to reword it with acceptable affirmation language thereby continuing to honor the clear instruction of our Synod delegates. The Memorial we send will be specific to the Diocese of Kootenay, but if it is allowed to reach the floor of General Synod, it could provocatively test the mind of the General Synod, including being open to amendment to include all dioceses. It does not purport to amend the marriage Canon, but since same-sex civil marriages are now legal in Canada, it makes reference particularly to these, and pointedly does not address blessings of same-sex couples in other relationships. If no amendment to the Marriage Canon is moved at this General Synod I remind you that it will be 2016 before such could take effect. We are hardly acting in undue haste!