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Henham, Elsenham, & Ugley Churches

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Same-sex unions in Canada

Following the decision of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster in Canada to permit the blessing of same-sex unions, the Revd Dick Farr, Chairman of the Chelmsford Diocesan Evangelical Association, has issued the following statement:

  1. I note with regret the decision made by the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster, Canada, to permit the blessing of 'same-sex unions'.
  2. I also note that this was a far-from-unanimous decision, 129 people having voted against the motion compared with 215 in favour. In spite of this, and the fact that the decision goes against the Resolutions of the 1998 Lambeth Conference, Michael Ingham, the Diocesan bishop, has chosen to give his assent to the proposal.
  3. Both the decision itself, and the manner in which it is to be implemented, raise serious questions about the right of the Diocese of New Westminster to be treated as being in fellowship with the rest of the Anglican Communion, or indeed to be regarded any longer as part of the Church of Christ.
  4. In giving his assent to the motion, Mr Ingham stated that the vote in favour was also a vote, "to permit those parishes who stand in continuity with the historic practice of the church, and with biblical truth as they sincerely believe it, to do so without compulsion, in full protection of conscience, and with the pastoral support of episcopal ministry". However, it is clear that parishes who regard the Diocese of New Westminster as having broken with the historic practice of the church and with biblical truth as they believe it should not accept this offer of fellowship.
  5. Therefore, on behalf of Evangelicals in this Diocese I extend the hand of fellowship and support to the people and parishes of the Diocese of New Westminster represented by those who voted against the motion.
  6. Further, I hope very much that our own Diocesan bishop, our Area bishops and our Archbishops will express their disapproval of what has happened in New Westminster not only in words but through actions.
  7. I suggest that as an expression of this disapproval, neither Mr Ingham, nor any representative of churches in fellowship with the Diocese of New Westminster, be afforded opportunities to minister in this Diocese.

Revd Dick Farr

(Chairman Chelmsford Diocesan Evangelical Association, Member of Church of England Evangelical Council)

20 June 2002

Last updated 22nd August, 2002