Greetings in
Christ! We applaud your recent interview with a Dutch journalist, to
whom you said that while the Church welcomes homosexual persons, they
are called to align their behaviour with the mind of Christ.
We represent
a group of Canadian Anglicans who were once sexually active with
members of the same sex or who have struggled with exclusively same-sex
attractions. Some of us are now celibate by choice; some of us are now
in heterosexual marriages.
We agree
wholeheartedly that inclusion should not be treated as a value in
itself. Far from experiencing your recent statement as a "betrayal," as
one British politician is reported to have characterized it, we endorse
the reassertion of the Church's traditional teaching against homosexual
acts. When our spiritual leaders water down the life-giving gospel
message of repentance and forgiveness, that, we believe, is the true
betrayal.
We look to
the Church for pastoral care and moral direction, subject to the
authority of Scripture, which would empower us in the ordering of our
relationships (as stated in Lambeth Resolution 1.10). We yearn to hear
our Church boldly preach the gospel message of transformation and
discipleship.
We are
thankful that you have affirmed your duty to "guard the faith and
teaching of the Church." Please be assured of our ongoing prayers for
you and the Anglican Communion as you continue to lead us.
Yours very
truly, in Christ Jesus,
Rev'd Dawn
McDonald (Diocese of Yukon)
Rev'd Don Alcock (Diocese of Huron)
Daryle Duke (Diocese of Rupert's Land)
Carole Simms (Diocese of Toronto)
André Rocheleau (Diocese of Quebec)
on behalf of The Zacchaeus Fellowship