VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Thirteen Anglican bishops from across Canada have criticized the weekend vote by the diocese of New Westminster, which covers the greater Vancouver area, to formally approve of marriagelike ceremonies for homosexual couples.
“We regret the decision … to move independently toward the blessing of same-sex unions,” said the June 17 statement, signed by 13 of the country’s 40 active Anglican bishops.
“We believe the decision of the diocese of New Westminster to be in conflict with the moral teaching of Holy Scripture and the tradition of the universal church,” they said.
Separately, Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey also expressed his dismay at the action and said he would try to raise the issue at the next meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council, which is being held in Hong Kong from Sept. 15–25 and at the Primates’ Standing Committee, which will be meeting just beforehand.
“This matter has implications far beyond the boundaries of the diocese of New Westminster,” he said. “I have no doubt that the unity of the (Anglican) Communion is threatened by your synod’s decision.
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