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Further reaction to the decision by New Westminster on same-sex blessings

This content was published more than 23 years ago. Some information may no longer be current or accurate.

Published on 
July 16, 2002

This document is updated as we receive further statements. Last updated on July 15, 2002.

Bishop David Ashdown (Keewatin, July 15, 2002)

Bishop William Anderson (Caledonia, June 18, 2002)

Glauco Soares de Lima (Primate of Brazil)

Bishop David Lai, (diocese of Taiwan, companion diocese to New Westminster)

Archbishop Tom Morgan (diocesan bishop of Saskatoon, metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land)

Majority of Australian bishops condemn New Westminster decision
— press release from Anglican Media Sydney

An open letter to the Primate from Fidelity Canada (June 27, 2002)

Bishop Fred J. Hiltz (Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, June 27, 2002)

Bishop Ralph Spence (Niagara, June 25, 2002)

Bishop William Hockin (Fredericton, June 15, 2002)

13 Canadian bishops (June 17, 2002)

Archbishop George Carey (Canterbury, June 18, 2002)

Archbishop Terence Finlay (Toronto, June 18, 2002)

Bishop Barry Hollowell (Calgary, June 19, 2002)

Dean Peter Wall (Niagara, June 19, 2002)

22 U.S. Bishops (June 21, 2002)

Bishop Edward L. Salmon (South Carolina, June 21, 2002)

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.