GS07: Where we stand so far...

Bryan Sarjeant, from General Synod Communications writes:

.... A motion from the floor to alter the agenda and continue debate was defeated. The discussion will continue Sunday.

General Synod defeated a motion that would have required resolutions sent to it by the Council of General Synod on same-sex blessings to carry only if they received 60 per cent of the vote. This means that approval now defaults to a 50 per cent vote requirement.

The motion under discussion at the time of adjournment last night was "that General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine of the Anglican Church of Canada."...

As I have said, keep praying for our Church. Though the St. Michael's Report states that this issue is doctrinal and it should not be a cause to fracture our relationships within the Canadian Anglican Church, we do seem destined to be reshaped: very disturbing.

With the vote now at 50%+1, though I and many members on the floor of General Synod seemed confused over this, I can not see this vote being defeated except maybe in the House of Bishops. Many wish for more time, many express expedience, we seem equally split. Emotions are being kept in check and I am proud of the members for both their candour and their reasoned statements. Nevertheless the prevailing movement is toward "inclusion" and the ultimate acceptance of Gay and Lesbian marriage within the church. This for myself has always been the real dividing line. Our Lord's statements on marriage seem to be little more than societal fluff from a bygone age and in no way a definition of what marriage "is".

I'm unsure if I feel ill this morning because of a very bad headache and sore throat caused by some bug or by what is taking place at Synod.