133rd Synod of the Diocese of Niagara

Clarifying the Position of the Diocese of Niagara Following the Vote at Synod re: blessing of Same Sex Unions

November 28 2007
As has been widely reported by the media across the country, the Diocese of Niagara has approved a motion that ‘requests the Bishop to allow clergy whose conscience permits, to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized and to authorize rites for such blessings.” This motion is similarly worded to those that were voted on and approved in both the dioceses of Ottawa and Montreal. Also, like those dioceses, the Bishop of Niagara has stated quite clearly that he will reserve the right to determine when he will, in fact, allow the blessings of same sex unions to move forward in his diocese. This decision by the synod does not change the practices of the diocese for the present time, the Bishop reminded us.

There has been a mis-conception that the motion in Niagara differed in someway from the Ottawa and Montreal resolutions and that the Bishop of Niagara had in fact given his assent for the blessings of same sex unions to begin immediately. We wish to clearly state that this is not the case; the Bishop was given the authority by synod to decide when, in fact, blessings might begin in the Diocese of Niagara. Presently, he has not done so.

The Bishop of Niagara said he would reflect on the discussions of synod and consult with his fellow Bishops before making any decisions. The Bishop also stated that he would give serious consideration to what the implications would be for the world wide Anglican Communion before giving his authorization in any way.

It is our hope that this clarifies any confusion that may have resulted from some press reports.

If there are any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Bishop’s office.

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