Last night at General Synod, the motion to change the Anglican Church of Canada’s marriage canon to include same-sex marriage did not receive the required two-thirds majority. The support for change in the houses of laity and clergy was very strong. And yet the motion was defeated in the House of Bishops by a very narrow margin. I know that this is devastating news to our LGBTQ+ community, families and friends. I share in that sense of devastation, knowing that this decision comes after decades of ongoing discussion, prayer and the courageous sharing of experience from the LGBTQ+ community. I had hoped that our Church was in a different place and would arrive at a different decision. I assure all of our LGBTQ+ siblings – beloved children of God – of my love and support. I know that it is tempting in this hour to lose heart. And yet let us take comfort in the words of Paul: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9.
I am also aware that many of our fellow Anglicans are greatly relieved by this decision to maintain the existing Marriage Canon. To them, I ask for charity and graciousness as their fellow Christians grieve. I commend this Church to God’s safe keeping as we continue with important deliberations at General Synod. I will speak to you again in a video message at the conclusion of our gathering.
Andrew Asbil, Bishop of Toronto
Don’t twist scripture to support your heretical beliefs bishop.
Perhaps at harvest time, the bishop will discover he has sown the wind…
I must be lacking in love, but I have no sympathy with people grieving over the fact that some people want to uphold God’s word. Grieving over theirs and others’ sin would be much more productive.
Many years ago when I was in senior Sunday School, in a lesson on Hell, I remember very well the teacher saying that one should not be surprised to note a couple of bishops residing there. I never believed it even as an adult to my early 50’s because I took bishops and priests to be those whom God has called and appointed to lead people back Home —to Heaven.
Thanks to these pagan bishops (and such others about whom we have head so much of lately), I am now a believer of what my Sunday school teacher taught me. Now, I do not expect to see anybody else, but bishops such as these in Hell. ????