Anglican 'No' vote threatens future gay unions in B.C.
Church decides same-sex ceremonies OK in theory, but still forbidden
Monday, June 25, 2007

Canada's first Anglican diocese to bless gay unions becomes the focus of what is likely to be an impassioned political and theological debate on Monday, the day after the national church voted to forbid priests from performing the rite.

The Anglican Church of Canada narrowly voted on Sunday against allowing priests to bless same-sex unions. That vote, at the church's general synod, came in spite of an earlier vote that said such a blessing would not violate core doctrine.

Delegates from the diocese in New Westminster, B.C., now fear that decision against offering blessings could imperil the practice in its churches, which have been sanctifying civil unions between same-gendered couples since 2003. The diocese is the only one in Canada currently blessing same-sex unions. the rest