From BC Local News

Churches involved in a battle with the Diocese of New Westminster over same-sex blessings have not yet decided whether to appeal a B.C. Supreme Court decision that ruled against them.

The four churches, including St. Matthew’s Anglican in Abbotsford, have until Dec. 29 to launch an appeal. Representatives met Monday to discuss the situation, but delayed a decision until at least next week.

Cheryl Chang, who serves as legal counsel, and is a member of one of the churches (St. John’s Shaugnessy in Vancouver), said the decision has been postponed pending the results of a special vestry meeting this Sunday at St. Matthias and St. Luke in Vancouver.

She said all clergy and trustees involved in the matter want to ensure their congregations have a say on whether to appeal the decision announced Nov. 25.

Another meeting will be scheduled next week with representatives from the four churches.

Chang said there are clear grounds for an appeal, which can be filed now and discontinued at a later time. However, if the deadline is missed there is no other opportunity.

Rev. Mike Stewart, rector of St. Matthew’s Church, said the congregation there is still considering its options.

“We’re still in the process of prayer and discernment,” he said.

Justice Stephen Kelleher ruled that the four parishes involved in the case are using church properties “outside the jurisdiction of the diocese,” which supports same-sex blessings.

The four parishes have maintained that allowing same-sex blessings is contrary to core Anglican doctrine. They broke away from the Anglican Church of Canada in February 2008 to join the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC).

Clergy and trustees were asked by the diocese to vacate the churches, but they have refused to do so.

The fourth church involved is Church of the Good Shepherd in Vancouver.