Canadian Anglicans ponder same-sex protocols

May 26, 2009
Mirko Petricevic
RECORD STAFF

Anglican Church of Canada parishes in Waterloo Region should soon be able to hold services to celebrate the relationships of gay parishioners, but they won't be blessing same-sex marriages for at least another year -- if ever.

During his opening statement to more than 500 delegates at the annual synod (governance meeting) for the Diocese of Huron, Rt. Rev. Robert Bennett, diocesan bishop, said he is taking a cautious but pastoral approach.

"I'm asking the Doctrine and Worship Committee to develop appropriate protocols, guidelines and evaluative tools to enable us to move forward with appropriate liturgies to celebrate the love, mutual fidelity and support that gay and lesbian Anglicans model every day for the church and wider community," Bennett is quoted in a press release issued Sunday.

Bennett envisions the services would include approved intercessory prayers and communion, but not "nuptial blessings." the rest