Something of interest here from the recent meeting of CoGS:
Revision of the marriage canon
Lela Zimmer asked on behalf of the committee if COGS could clarify whether it wants to consider a revision of the marriage canon, or a process to consider such a revision. She also requested clarification on whether this work is to include all legally qualified persons, or the particular category that includes same-sex couples.*Resolution
As a result of the conversation, the following resolution was adopted: the Council of General Synodconcurs in the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee’s understanding that it is to address the particular category of “legally qualified persons,” i.e. same-sex couples at least one of whom is baptized Christian;
agrees that development of a theological rationale for the marriage of such couples should precede the preparation of any draft amendments to or revision of the Marriage Canon;
requests the committee to report to the COGS no later than November 2009, and
directs that, if the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee develops such a rationale, it should, in conjunction with the Handbook Concerns Committee, prepare draft amendments to, or a draft revision of, the Marriage Canon for consideration by the COGS in March 2010 for possible submission to the 2010 session of the General Synod.
This CoGS resolution comes as no surprise; what we are seeing here is preparation for the first reading to change the canons in 2010, followed by the final change in 2013. In the meantime it seems likely to me that blessings will become official in 2010.
The neutral wording of ‘conversation’ and suchlike was interesting, as well as the theological rationale section. I think we are seeing the increased orthodox presence on CoGS (from 2 up to 1/3 of the committee) change things a little. Will it be enough? We shall see…
It wasn’t such a long time ago that we were told ‘it isn’t about changing marriage, it’s just about blessings’. Many were skeptical of such a claim, as we can see now justifiably so.
At least they are moving towards honesty and clarity now, admitting what they’re really after: changing the definition of Christian marriage. I was getting so tired of their lies and evasions.
As an orthodox member of CoGS, it is good to see some of the smoke and mirrors moved out of the way. Hopefully, we will see some clear and concise motions to vote on. I’m not sure that we will be able to change the direction that the national church is on, but I pray that we will all be sure on what we are voting for or against… Wouldn’t that be refreshing?
No more “core doctrine (in the sense of being creedal)”, you mean? That would indeed be a blessing!
So can you tell us a bit more about how this CoGS is working Ross?
The biggest change is that most motions are being discussed with consensus in mind rather than voting. If, per chance, you can’t live with a motion, you can say so. The idea is that there are no winners or losers. Having said that, there is always the danger that someone could be intimidated into silence. On the other hand, it allows a minority to at least influence motions and/or statements. I worked for a corporation for the last 20 years that uses the consensus method of making decisions. It worked well for them and, so far, it has worked well at CoGS. Time will tell.
Despite the fact that I have a reputation as being a bit of a redneck (my grandpappy was born in Calgary, my daddy was born in Calgary and I was born in Calgary) as well as being orthodox, I’m on the resolutions committee and the GS 2010 planning committee. I find that refreshing but also very daunting.
Because of a few controversial motions at the Athabasca Synod, I was buttonholed frequently during social times. I have to admit that, while many disagree with me, I was treated with respect. Apparently, that wasn’t always so in the past.
Please don’t use initials for things. Some of don’t know what they mean – CoGS, GS2010, SSB, etc. etc. Thanks.
CoGS – council of general synod. Think parish council on a national level.
GS 2010 — General Synod 2010. Think annual vestry meeting on a national level
SSB -same sex blessings, aka gay marriage
Thanks, Kate
So do ACoC and ACC both mean Anglican Church of Canada?
#8
The two abreviations both ar intended to indicate the Anglican Church of Canada. I beleive that ACoC is the official one.
ACoC is preferred for Anglican Church of Canada, because
ACC is also Anglican Consultative Council