Maritime bishops hold back on support for same-sex weddings

HALIFAX — Anglican bishops in the Maritimes say they will not allow their clergy to participate in same-sex weddings for the time being, even as some bishops elsewhere have given the green light.

The Canadian church narrowly voted last week at its General Synod to allow same-sex marriage, but the resolution still needs affirmation at the 2019 synod before it becomes church law.

Although some Ontario bishops said they will immediately allow priests to officiate at same-sex weddings, Bishop Ron Cutler of the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island diocese and Bishop David Edwards of New Brunswick will not follow suit.

“I spoke against the motion and you should know I voted against it,” Edwards said in a pastoral letter.

“I wish you all to understand that I voted as I did for two reasons — my understanding of the nature of marriage, and my concerns for some of our indigenous peoples and, allied to this, issues around the Anglican Communion.”

Cutler wrote in a Facebook post the change was supported by all delegates from Nova Scotia and P.E.I., including himself, but he wants to consult other diocese leaders before changing practices.

“At this moment I am not willing to give a similar permission [as some bishops elsewhere],” he wrote. “With the bruises of this highly divisive debate still fresh, I am hoping that we can take the time to speak and listen to one another, together shaping a diocesan response.”

Cutler noted that his diocese already offers blessings for same sex couples who have been married in civic ceremonies.

Edward said he believes “everyone” should be included in the life of the church.

“I would ask those who feel uncomfortable to bear with us. We do not know what the future holds and I ask that we stay together for the sake of the Gospel,” Edward said.

The vote at the General Synod — which was close enough that a tabulating error briefly left the impression the change had been voted down — exposed deep fault lines in the church.

Northern representatives in particular opposed the move, with Yukon Bishop Larry Robertson leaving the floor in protest, saying he was angered at what he called an adversarial process.

“This process has been wrenching for our whole church, especially the members of the [gay] community,” Cutler wrote in his post. “The aftermath of this roller coaster of emotions left most members of synod absolutely drained.”

The resolution got the required two-thirds vote to pass. The church’s current marriage canon does not specifically ban same-sex marriages.