Church Blessings Now Possible For Gays In Nova Scotia

 

Canada often claims to be the leaders in equality,  especially in the Americas,  a clear case of this is new that legally partnered same-sex couples in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, are  now able to get a blessing from the country’s Anglican Church.

The motion approving the blessings was passed at the 143rd Synod of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Halifax last Saturday.    An overwhelming majority of over 300 participants voted for the motion.  Although a couple of participants did leave the event after a heated debate prior to the vote.

The issue of blessings for same-sex couples has been a controversial issue,  even in the liberal and advanced Canada.   The reverend David Fletcher  said  “It’s a contentious issue and it will continue to be.”  to local reporters.

Fletcher told he would like to see the Anglican Church go even further by offer blessings for members of the bisexual and transgender communities and people in long-term heterosexual relationships who are unmarried, such as elderly and widowed couples who live together.

“They might prefer not to get legally married for a variety of reasons but would still like to have their long-term and committed relationship recognised by the church in the form of a sacramental blessing,” Fletcher said.

However, Reverend Stephen Ashton of Halifax voted against the motion and said there were a number of Anglicans who are opposed to such  blessings for same-sex couples,  “Approval of the motion violates interpretations of Scripture strictly adhered to by orthodox and evangelical members of the church [who] believe Scripture is opposed to same-sex relationships,” he said.

Some Anglican priests have left the church because they believe it has drifted too far from strict adherence to Scripture and Rev. Ashton said the decision to offer blessings in the diocese will lead to more defections.      However,  the move is also likely to increase attendance and congregations,  as more and more gay and lesbian Christian’s feel able to attend church again.