We, the undersigned, are Canadian Anglicans who were
once active in the
homosexual lifestyle, or have struggled with exclusively same-sex
attractions. Some of us are now celibate by choice; some of us are now
in heterosexual marriages. We represent a much larger group than
appears on this paper. We are united in our commitment to the authority
of Holy Scripture, and we reject the resolutions regarding the blessing
of same-sex unions sent by the Council of General Synod to General
Synod, 2004. We believe that facilitating the blessing of same-sex
unions, without listening to the stories of God’s transforming power in
our lives, is to act irresponsibly, and without weighing all the facts.
To pass these motions would be to betray and
marginalize those of us
who have come under the authority of Scripture and entered into a
process of exodus from the homosexual lifestyle. As such members of the
Church, we are witnesses to God’s Holy Spirit, his transforming power.
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. It is not loving for the Church to encourage us to
live in slavery to this mortal flesh, and not honest to assert that
change is not possible. Instead, we look to the Church to empower
us to draw closer to God by offering our bodies as a living sacrifice
holy and pleasing unto God.
Our voices have been silenced and not heard in the
Anglican Church of
Canada; you have not paid heed to us. Today, we ask that you would not
betray us by passing these motions allowing for the blessing of
same-sex unions within the Anglican Church of Canada without first
hearing our voices and weighing our stories. We ask that you would not
pass these motions and commit yourselves instead to listening to our
voices before making any move as a Church. Let us all acknowledge the
love and lordship of Christ who makes all things new.
Behold, I make all
things new. Revelation 21:5
The original letter was signed by fifteen Canadian
Anglicans from
various dioceses across the country.