It
has been an emotionally charged and draining few days as an Anglican. As many
will be aware General Synod - the gathering every three years of
representatives of Anglican Dioceses and Partners across Canada met July 7-12
in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Given it was so close to home I applied to be a
volunteer and helped primarily with welcoming people and pointing them in the
right direction; from where to register when they arrived to answering a wide
range questions during the event. I also had the opportunity to wander through
the many exhibits representing a diversity of ministries, causes, special
interest groups and business partnerships associated with the Anglican Church
of Canada. I reconnected with old friends and made new ones.
One
of the greatest and most challenging at times part of General Synod was being
part of the Observers gallery inside the room and also part of the wider
community that was part of this gathering through the live stream. We are
greatly blessed by the gift of technology that allows us to listen in on these
important meetings of our national church from wherever we are as long as we
have an internet connection. Observing
these preceding has given me a greater appreciation for the Church that I love.
This
year’s theme was, “You Are My Witnesses” and that played out for me in hearing
about the amazing work that is going on in the name of the Anglican Church of
Canada, locally, nationally and internationally. To hear about the relationship
building with the Diocese of Jerusalem, and some of the heartbreaking stories
and realities of ministry in that part of the world that we rarely hear about,
was moving. As was the personal account from Fort McMurray that gave me goose
bumps as a man described the miracles, there is no other word for it, of God’s
provision in this crisis. The ongoing work of building ecumenical relationships
and partnerships is heartening to hear and recognize that we seek to serve the
same God. Important work has also been
ongoing in our relationship with Indigenous people, especially in light of the
recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the formation
of an Indigenous church.
These
important pieces of work by General Synod over those six days, was overshadowed
by the discussion, debate and drama that surrounded the first reading of the
changes to Canon XXI, the Marriage Canon, essentially to allow for same-sex
marriage in the Anglican Church. Any reports I saw aside from those from our
Anglican sources, were focused on this sole issue. After days of small group
discussions, which the delegates I spoke to described as intense, the
resolution came to the floor. In many ways it is unfortunate that our decision
making process requires this type of debate, but it was an opportunity for all
to be heard. Sitting in the Observers gallery and later watching the live
stream it was clear that those who spoke were sincere and deeply invested. This
only made the emotional tenure that much more intense.
As
the vote began after lengthy debate, everyone was holding their breathe knowing
that regardless of the outcome there would people deeply hurt. Slowly as the
results were revealed, we realized that the resolution to change the Marriage Canon, with a
few amendments, had failed to gain two-thirds in all three houses (bishops,
clergy and laity) - by one vote in the house of Clergy. There was a stunned
silence in the room, and in the virtual world. For some there was shock and
sadness as people considered what this meant for them, those they represented
and so many others that they minister to. For others there was relief as though
we as a church had narrowly escaped going over that dreaded cliff. For everyone
the emotion of that decision was heavy. Some bishops reacted immediately by
announcing that they would be proceeding anyway as a pastoral response. It was
a restless night for many.
In
the morning, the agenda was reconfigured to give time for a “what now”
discussion and groups gathered to talk about not only how we as a Church move
forward, but more importantly about how do we engage in meaningful conversation
that builds bridges between those from all sides who felt the scars of the
discussion and debate. Although I could only watch via the live stream, I
sensed a renewal of hope and renewed commitment to dialogue that truly listens.
In the waning moments of General Synod, following the request for the list of
votes to be released immediately, instead of a few months from now in the
official minutes, it was discovered that there had been a technical error with
one of the votes. The General Secretary, who is a licensed priest working in
the National Church office, had his vote registered in a different house, not
the house of clergy. The result of that one vote being counted changed the
results so as to tip the house of clergy over the two-thirds line and so the
motion, after much conversation, was declared passed.
The
emotions of the evening before were suddenly reversed, as people came to grips
with what had happened. It was clear that no one was celebrating. As a friend posted, “perhaps it is a good thing that we have all felt
it--that shared experience [of dismay] might be a place where we can find
the Spirit who will lead us to healing and reconciliation.” I know that for friends that were in that
room, it was a very emotional experience, as it was for the great cloud of
witnesses who surrounded them.
I have to say
that I was very impressed by the pastoral and gracious way that Primate Fred
Hiltz led throughout. He exemplified for me throughout what it means to
love and respect all people and opinions. When bullying was reported in the
small groups, he immediately addressed it as unacceptable. He reminded
delegates and observers alike that applause was inappropriate as there were
those in the room who would not agree and even be hurt by the comments. His
continual call to dialogue and understand is what we all needed to hear then
and even more now. The Archbishop's most gracious moment that will remain with me for a long
time was his response to the General Secretary when the General Secretary realized and apologized that
it was his vote that led to the rollercoaster of events. As a Christian and servant of
this Church, I pray that will be able to follow Archbishop Hiltz's example in my own life and ministry.
The question
remains, so where do we go from here. There will be those that are dismayed,
disappointed, and even angry and may consider leaving the Church. And there
will be those who want to charge full steam ahead. To both I would like to say,
wait, stay engaged, seek out those of opposing opinions and listen, really
listen to what they have to say. One of the greatest gifts I believe the
Anglican Church has to bring to the wider church is the witness of what it
means to be able to hold intense, very diverse beliefs and still remain at the
table together. I have often been asked why I am Anglican, I think this is the
reason. As frustrating as it is at times that on many issues we don’t say “this is what
we believe” or how we understand “X”, it also what allows us to remain in
conversation, to remain at the table, the Lord’s Table, together, knowing that
first and foremost we are all Children of God, loved and saved by the only one
who can love unconditionally.
May we pray for
one another and may we continue to seek to see one another not as opponents or
allies but as God sees us: his beloved children.
If
you want to know more about the ongoing conversation around same-sex marriage I encourage you to read, This Holy Estate,
which also includes numerous submission from all those opinions,
and links to other reports produced by national church and others on this
issue. As well as the other resources from the Anglican Church of Canada on Human Sexuality.
For
more on information of General Synod or updates from The Anglican Church of
Canada, go to, News.
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