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| Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon, held at Christ Church, October 29-31, 2010 |
by Tom Rogers
Sunday October 31, 2010, the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon voted in favour of same-sex blessings BUT...... but it is only a small step forward.
The motion was, to the best of my recollection "Be it resolved that this synod request the Bishop to allow clergy whose conscience permits, in parishes designated by the Bishop, to bless the duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same gender couples, where at least one party is baptized, once the moratorium of the House of Bishops respecting the blessing of same sex marriages is lifted."
The same-sex blessing motion passed but it is only a small step forward. Clerical votes, ie the Priests, were 9 for and 8 against with 6 not voting (not sure why they did not vote but it looks like they are trying to avoid the issue). Laity, that is delegates from parishes, voted 26 for and 25 against with 1 abstention. At least the vote indicates the majority preference for same-sex blessings by both priests and parish delegates, but the Bishop said something like since it was so close he would not take it as a decision. I don’t know what that meant. Anyway we will see. Those opposed said they did not like the confrontational approach of a motion, or were confused by the motion, or felt that the motion was unfairly dictating to the Bishops, or that it was against scripture. I do not understand and am saddened by the thinking of those who oppose, but I believe that they are sincere and committed to their point of view. I think we must work with the Diocese to do more bishop-supported education on the subject of homosexuality, sexuality in general, and Biblical interpretation. For example, perhaps the Bishop could sponsor respected theological speakers on these subjects.
Also from my point of view, the Christian church delivers a lot of myth and dogma. Until it can extricate itself from the chains of literal interpretions of words from 5000 to 2000 years old, and deliver a more realistic Christianity, it will continue to die. Why to I go to church? One can meditate, reflect, learn, and grow even when one hears bunk, and besides I have many good friends in my parish, diocese and other church denominations.
1 comment:
By Dr. Jim Arnold: Posted with permission.
I don't think it is an education or knowledge issue with anyone.
This is politics.
Typically a bishop would want to maintain a power base. The motion is for change but the vote is close. National moratorium supports the no change position. Thus the decision not to change. The process in other dioceses
has been parallel. First there is a no vote, then a close vote, then a larger majority vote, and once the yes is large enough, authorization. In dioceses where this has been pushed, there have been parishes threatening and
suing to leave dioceses, refusing to pay their shares to the diocese etc. It is all about politics and power and fear of schism. I suspect the process will be that at the next synod there will be a larger majority and they will
authorize a parish or two. The Church is a follower, not a leader.
All of that said, it is sad and shameful that it is about politics, and not about the morality, ethics and Christian principles which this is actually
about. Where is the Christian love? As for scripture saying what to do, confusing motions etc., it is all the things John Milton wrote about in the 1600s in Paradise Lost:
"Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar ruled, stood vast infinitude confined; Till at his second bidding darkness fled, Light shone, and order from disorder sprung."
Though it may take 3 or 4 biddings before the Light brightly shines amid the disorder.
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