General Synod Marriage Commission Invites Responses

In 2013 the General Synod passed a resolution directing the drafting of a motion “to change Canon XXI on marriage to allow the marriage of same-sex couples in the same way as opposite-sex couples, and that this motion should include a conscience clause so that no member of the clergy, bishop, congregation or diocese should be constrained to participate in or authorize such marriages against the dictates of their conscience.” Such a motion will be considered by the 2016 General Synod.

The General Synod stipulated that the preparation of this motion should, among other things, demonstrate that a “broad consultation” has taken place. To that end, a Commission on the Marriage Canon was established, and submissions are being sought from across the Canadian church. For more information about how to make a submission, please visit this website.

Submissions must be received by Tuesday, September 30, 2014, and must include the author’s name, parish or institution, diocese, and contact details. All of the commissioners will read or view each submission as they prepare their report. All submissions to the Commission will be posted here on the national church’s website.

To learn more about preparing and submitting your contribution to the commission, please click here.