Letter from Bishop Michael Bird regarding same-sex blessings in the Diocese of Niagara

Thursday November 6 2008

To the Clergy and People of the Diocese of Niagara

I write to you on the Eve of our Synod to indicate to you the next step I am asking us to take on the journey of discernment that we continue to travel as a Diocesan family, with regard to the issue of same-sex blessings.  There will be some time set aside to hear from delegates on this matter on Saturday but a large part of the agenda will deal with our vision for the future and so I feel it is important to issue this statement ahead of our gathering.

As is the case with our brother and sister Anglicans in the Dioceses of Montreal and Ottawa, I believe we are among those who have been called by God to speak with a prophetic voice on this subject.  I, therefore, intend to ask for a rite to be developed for the blessing of same sex couples who have been civilly married, along with a process to enable these blessings to take place that will at the same time honour the diversity of tradition and theology that exists across Niagara.

It is my hope that this process would move ahead as expeditiously as possible and that I will be in a position to report back to the Diocese within the next few months.
I want to assure you and be absolutely clear, that all clergy and all parishes will be fully free to follow their own conscience in this matter, as and when we are able to move forward.

I ask for your prayers for our Diocesan Synod that opens with the Synod service tomorrow evening and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the delegates gather in session on Saturday.

Yours in the love of Christ,

+Michael Bird
Bishop of Niagara

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