Canon 21 On Marriage in the Church

Canon 21 General Synod in 2013 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.”

The Council of General Synod established a “Commission on the Marriage Canon”. The individuals named to the Commission had, in the opinion of the officers, demonstrated a capacity to hear and understand the theological diversity represented in the Anglican Church of Canada. The Commission had no authority to make decisions on the matter of same-sex marriage in the church.

The report of the Commission “This Holy Estate” was presented to the Council of General Synod in September 2015. The Council released the report publicly at the end of their meeting and it has been available on the Anglican Church of Canada’s website ever since

Canon 21 1. Declare that Canon XXI (On Marriage in the Church) applies to all persons who are duly qualified by civil law to enter into marriage. 2. Make the following consequential amendments to Canon XXI: 3. Add the following to section 11 of the Regulations e) A minister may only solemnize a marriage between persons of the same sex if authorized by the diocesan bishop. 4. Declare that this resolution shall come into effect on the first day of January after being passed by General Synod at Second Reading.

Canon 21 In accordance with section 11(c)(i) of the Declaration of Principles, an amendment to a Canon dealing with doctrine, worship or discipline must be approved by a two-thirds Majority in each Order voting at two successive sessions of General Synod. The Canons and alterations proposed having been referred for consideration to diocesan and provincial synods, following the first approval of the General Synod.

Canon 21 The decision regarding change in doctrine rests with the General Synod, not the diocese. Our input into the process happens through the election of our delegates to General Synod. Diocesan Synods shall ‘consider’ the proposed change in between sessions of General Synod. This is not a request for consent.

Canon 21 “In the absence of any doctrinal prohibition by General Synod, or any liturgical enactments by General Synod or Provincial Synod, diocesan bishops under the jus liturgicum may authorize liturgies within their dioceses for the solemnization of same sex marriages.” Chancellor David Jones

Canon 21 Members of the Commission on the Marriage Canon The Rev. Dr. Paul Friesen The Rev. Paul Jennings

1. We will grant that as people of faith we are all sincere our beliefs, including our reverence for Holy Scripture. 2. We will know that people of diverse sexuality and gender identities are present. 3. We will value inclusion and strive to understand each other. 4. We will speak in the first person. 5. We will not use language known to be offensive to others. 6. We will respect the right of people to speak of their own experiences. 7. We will respect the privacy of others. 8. We will ask no questions that we are not prepared to answer. 9. We will stay present to the conversation (refrain from e-distractions)

Canon 21 - Questions What makes you hopeful about the proposed change to the Canon on marriage, Personally? In your parish? What makes you anxious about the proposed change to the Canon on marriage, Personally? In your Parish? Are you in favour of providing a pastoral response to same sex couples seeking to be married in the church before a second vote on the change to the Marriage Canon?