Primate's Theological Commission Canada Releases Statement on Same-Sex Unions

The Primate's Theological Commission of the Anglican Church of Canada has released a statement on the blessing of same-sex unions. The report was requested by the General Synod of 2004 with the aim of considering whether the blessing of same-sex unions is a matter of doctrine.

The report was named by the place where it was written, 'The St. Michael Report'. It will be received by the Council of General Synod and the Commission has asked the Council to recommend this report to be put forwards for consideration by the Anglican Church of Canada.

During the meeting, the Commission concluded that the blessing of same-sex unions was a matter of doctrine. However, the Commission admitted there were several interpretations of what the 'doctrine' could mean and also that the understanding of its meaning was changing during the time.

"We agree that the blessing of committed same-sex unions is not a matter of what is often referred to as a 'core' doctrine, in the sense of being credal doctrine," states the report.

Considering the cultural surroundings that Christians are living within, the Commission advised to "see our cultural norms through the eyes of Christ and then, out of allegiance to him, to promote those norms that honour him and renounce those that do not."

Also, they linked several doctrines of the Church to their theological consideration of the blessing of the same-sex unions, such as: salvation, incarnation, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, theological anthropology, sanctification and holy matrimony.

Currently, the Canadian Parliament and society are debating the legalisation of same-sex marriages.

In this context the report expressed that "the Commission noted that the change in civil law in Canada to permit the civil marriage of same-sex couples requires a clarification of the validity and sustainability of the distinction between blessings and marriages in the Canadian context."

There are many heated discussions over the issue and many local parishes in the U.S. have already withdrawn from the Episcopal Church since they did not agree with the new radical direction of the Church. However, the Commission did not believe that this should be a communion-breaking issue.

The statement is ready to be reported to the Council of General Synod at its meeting in spring 2006. Primate, the Most Rev. Andrew Hutchison stressed the need for timely consideration, and he said he was convinced that the "the interests of our church’s need to be ready for the General Synod 2007."