Ottawa: Discernment to Include Same-Sex Blessings

March 5, 2009

The time for discernment on same-gender blessings has moved beyond the discussion stage, according to the Rt. Rev. John H. Chapman, Bishop of Ottawa in the Anglican Church of Canada. Bishop Chapman recently announced plans “to explore experientially, the blessing of duly solemnized and registered civil marriages.”

If enacted, Ottawa would become the second Canadian diocese whose bishop has openly authorized same-sex blessings to be performed. The Diocese of New Westminster enacted its same-sex blessing policy in 2002, before the Windsor Report urged dioceses and provinces to demonstrate restraint and before a vote by the Canadian Church’s General Synod denied dioceses permission to enact same-sex blessings. The prohibition has not been enforced, however.

Under terms of the plan announced by the Bishop in the March issue of Crosstalk, the monthly diocesan newsletter, a doctrine and worship committee will be appointed to create a liturgy, appropriate protocols and procedures as well as an evaluative process. Assuming that the committee returns with a favorable recommendation, one parish, St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa, will be permitted to use the liturgy at a time to be determined. the rest