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General Synod Update – Sunday June 24, 2007
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What happened today…
Delegates were crestfallen in the morning when resolution A186 passed. This resolution states: That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine (in the sense of being credal) of the Anglican Church of Canada.
The motion was carried by a vote of 152 for vs 97 against in the house of clergy and laity, and by a vote of 21 for vs 19 against in the house of bishops. Incidentally, newly elected Archbishop Fred Hiltz voted for A186.
Later, in the afternoon, resolution A187 failed, again by the narrowest of margins. This resolutions read: “That this General Synod affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod,
1. with the concurrence of the diocesan bishop, and
2. in a manner which respects the conscience of the incumbent and the will of the parish,
to authorize the blessing of committed same-sex unions."
The vote was: Laity 78 for and 59 again; in the clergy 63 for and 53 against; in the bishops 19 for and 21 against. So, it failed by two votes in the order of bishops.
What does this mean for AEC…
This is a sad day for the Anglican Church of Canada. We are grieved that the church has abandoned its heritage, its teaching and its commitment to Scripture. The global Primates have clearly told us that to move unilaterally on same sex blessings will be seen as choosing to walk away from the rest of the Communion. Anglican Essentials Canada is committed to maintaining full communion with the global Anglican Communion.
By saying that same sex blessings is consistent with Anglican doctrine, the door is open for same sex blessings in dioceses across Canada – despite the defeat of the motion affirming local options.
A Message from the Anglican Essentials Federation…
While we are deeply disappointed that same-sex unions were deemed compatible with Anglican doctrine, we are heartened that Synod defeated the “local options” resolutions. We are working late into the night with our Network colleagues to prepare for another heavy day on the floor of General Synod tomorrow. And we are looking forward to working with local chapters to discuss the impact the decisions of this General Synod will have on our church.
A Message from the Anglican Network in Canada…
By changing the doctrine of the Church and saying that what God has called sin is not in conflict with the core doctrine of the church, this General Synod has clearly rejected the authority of the Word of God and made its decision. Now we and every Canadian Anglican must make theirs.
The Network leaders will be meeting over the next few days to pray and discern God’s leading in light of these momentous decisions. We appeal to all biblically faithful Canadian Anglicans who are willing to commit to what the Primates have asked to join with us as we seek to repair the bonds of communion with the global church and demonstrate our willingness to comply with the Windsor Report and the Primates’ requests.
Please see our website for more information about Network: www.anglicannetwork.ca
Other highlights of the day…
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Essentials volunteers were treated to a Chinese meal this evening, a lovely respite from the stress and hurry of the day. |
What’s coming up Monday…
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Resolution A189 which would allow the blessing of all legally married couples |
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Resolution A02 which would make the Solemn Declaration – the founding document of the Anglican Church of Canada (contained in the preface of the Prayer Book) – a museum piece with little relevance today |
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Resolution A226 which gives the go-ahead for revisions to the liturgy and worship (ie the Prayer Book) |
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And so many other resolutions that there is no hope of General Synod dealing with them all. So, what General Synod is unable to address, will likely be delegated to the Council of General Synod for decision. |
Please pray
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For Anglicans across Canada who are deeply grieved by General Synod’s decision that same-sex blessing is consistent with Anglican theology and are considering their future in the Anglican Church of Canada. |
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For leaders of both Federation and Network who will meet in the days ahead to pray and plan appropriate responses for faithful Canadian Anglicans. Both are working for a Biblically-faithful Anglican Church in Canada that is in full Communion. |
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That we all would wait expectantly on God, with joyful hearts, knowing that God has a perfect plan for His church in Canada. |
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For the Primates of the Communion who are watching our General Synod, that their response would provide clarity. |
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That biblically faithful delegates here at General Synod – and Anglicans across Canada – would join with us by taking the step of joining either Network or Federation. |
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For our delegates who, once again tomorrow, will be courageously speaking against harmful resolutions and for Biblical truth. |
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That our delegates will have boldness and calmness of spirit as they speak to and debate emotionally-charged motions. |
Please give thanks
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For the many moments of grace witnessed here at General Synod when God’s love has been tangibly demonstrated. |
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For the reminders of God’s omnipotence as we experienced amazing lightning displays and fierce storms several evenings this week in Winnipeg. |
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For the many volunteers from Manitoba and across the country who have worked tirelessly – and for the hundreds who have been faithfully lifting us and General Synod up before the Throne of Grace. |
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For the many delegates who spoke so well and so graciously today in General Synod advocating the biblical position on motions. (“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel… Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Eph 6:9) |
We look to you, O God
To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
Until He is gracious to us.
Psalm 123:1-2
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