[The] Rev. Stephen London is troubled that the Anglican Church of Canada may approve a resolution next month allowing for same-sex blessings.

London stressed that his opposition to a so-called "local option" resolution -- allowing each diocese to decide for itself on the issue -- is based on his concerns that it will lead to a split within the worldwide Anglican Communion.

"Most of the rest of the Communion has made its mind clear that this is an issue that goes to the heart of our bond together.

"And if it passes, it will break that bond eventually," said London, who is rector at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in northeast Edmonton.

"It might not be the next day, but probably at the most within a year or two."

London's warning was sounded at a local forum to discuss the consequences -- nationally and internationally -- should the Canadian church approve same-sex blessings.

The forum, and a series of public consultations, are being held throughout the Diocese of Edmonton in the weeks leading up to the church's General Synod in Winnipeg.

The final consultation will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church June 2.

The local option resolution is one of five related to the same-sex issue slated to go before the General Synod in Winnipeg from June 19 to 25.

London is an elected delegate to General Synod, the church's highest governing body, which meets every three years. He'll be among about 350 delegates representing bishops, clergy and lay people.

[The] Rev. Dan Ash is also concerned about the upcoming synod, although in his case, he believes greater harm will be done if the church fails to act. Ash favours the church saying "yes" to same-sex blessings.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Anglican Church of Canada • Canadian General Synod 2007 • Sexuality Debate (in Anglican Communion) • Same-sex blessings

1. Tom Roberts wrote: Interesting that the reporter couldn’t coerce a comment out of +Matthews.  But “It is saying to the world around us that the most important thing to us is who’s sleeping with who instead of dealing with the horrendously urgent issues of human suffering ... war and peace and starvation and genocide.” Who would’a thunk it: starvation and genocide in Edmonton! May 27, 1:36 pm | [comment link]

Registered members must log in to comment.