This past Sunday the Anglican Church Of Canada (Episcopalian) decided at its general synod not to bless same sex unions. This has been an issue with the Church for years now. The motion to allow the blessing of same sex unions was very narrowly defeated.
The whole issue has caused great divisions within the Church, with many feeling very strongly on both sides. There is also a sizeable amount of people who do not feel extremely passionate one way or the other, but do not want to see people leaving the Church over the matter.
Whether you are an Anglican/Episcopalian or not, I would be interested to know what you think of this matter.
The issue is far from over and will likely be looked at again at future Synods.
What do you think?
2007-06-26 09:13:45 · 20 answers · asked by Zezo Zeze Zadfrack 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just a note: The Anglican Church has never blessed same sex unions before. Its never happened.
2007-06-26 09:21:38 · update #1
Each regonized religion has its own beliefs, ethics and morals that they stand by. Under the Freedom of Religion act, they are allowed to exercise their rights within the law. Now that being said, the term marriage is fundamentaly a Christian concept, created in Biblical times. The government then swooped in and made it a legal issue, by creating the "license". Just as any person who passes the regulated requirements may obtain a license for a car, I believe that under the law, any two people should be allowed to co-habitate legally as one unit. Homosexual or heterosexual if you choose to live as a "family unit" then you should all have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities.
Yes I agree with the Church for not blessing these marriages, but not because I am homophobic, I also agree with gay marriage, I agree on the basis that I would not want anyone telling me that I had to change my Wiccan beliefs, morals or ethics because they did not fit with popular public opinion. Although I don't agree with the issue behind the decision, I do agree with the principal of the decision.
Many Priests and Priestess in my religion will refuse to marry a couple if they do not feel they are right for each other, or they will do a "year and a day" marriage, which is not a legal binding marriage but the couple must live by the same moral and ethical rules as any married couple. Now many would argue that that isn't right either, and in your opinion you may be right, but that is a Wiccan decision and society has no business trying to change that.
2007-06-26 10:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by Lupa 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Anglican Church of Canada does do that. However there are a bunch of bigots here who think they are Anglican Church of Canada even though they are really Anglican Church of South Africa members.
2016-05-21 02:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that churches have the right to choose who to "marry" and who not to marry...as I believe marriage to basically be a religious institution.
However, I believe this to be separate from government unions or government marriage. Any two consenting adults should have the right to marry under the law, and have the same benefits as any heterosexual partnership. Gay people pay the same, if not more in taxes, but yet are denied the equal rights under the law. This is wrong and will be fought in the legal courts.
2007-06-26 09:19:43 · answer #3 · answered by G.C. 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I think their religion should stay within the confines of the religion. If the religion says no gays, then no gays. After all, it's only a religion. It isn't like it's something that people actually have to be a part of. If gays want to be married, there is no conflict. They just have to be married in another type of church or with another religion.
2007-06-26 09:29:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am truly saddened by this decision. I did not know that they would no longer be blessing same-sex unions.
Hopefully, they will rethink this decision. And I hope the Anglican Church, doesn't become seperated into a new denomination as a result of this decision.
2007-06-26 09:18:42 · answer #5 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that Churches should be allowed to decide who they will marry. However if a Church refuse to marry anyone who is legally entitled to be married, then that Church should no longer be recognized as performing legal marraiges--in other words they can perform a religious, non-legally binding ceremony that requires a further, civil, ceremony to be recognized by the Government.
2007-06-26 09:35:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christianity always causes divisions........it is a way of life since we must daily choose to follow God....or not to follow Him. Our choices cause divisions. I am not an Anglican, but I am glad they have voted the way they did. Homosexuality is condemned in the Bible. When we follow the Bible we often become unpopular but our Lord told us this would be so......and He surely wasn't popular outside of His circle. Divisions are not fun, but we are to 'choose this day Who we will serve'........God has forgiveness for all ....we are all sinners.....but we need to ask for forgiveness. We cannot follow the world and Christ at the same time. If our choice is to follow Christ then we must follow Him truly. He does not condone homosexuality.......He loves these folks......but He does call ALL of us to repentance. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
2007-06-26 09:27:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am for gay marriage. i am for gay parenting. i am for gay rights. i am not christian.
i believe if gay people want to join into a legal union, maybe they should do it in front of an authority who accepts them completely. since marriage is "a union between a man and a woman" there should be another name for a gay union that incorporates the same laws and rights as regular marriage.
this might take some of the controversy out it. let's have a name that's meaningful to gays.
2007-06-26 09:19:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, I do not think that a church should have to compromise it's beliefs. On the other hand, I also do not think that the Church should have any say in civil union matters.
2007-06-26 09:19:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wonderful news! A denomination that seeks to follow God's Word. How refreshing!
2007-06-26 09:39:31 · answer #10 · answered by †Lawrence R† 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋