[Episcopal News Service]
Archbishop of Canterbury George L. Carey has called for restraint and a period of reflection in the wake of a decision June 15 by the Diocese of Westminster in the Anglican Church of Canada to approve a rite for blessing same-gender couples. They had approved a similar resolution at several previous synods but Bishop Michael Ingham insisted that a substantial majority approve before he would give his consent.
Writing to the other primates of the Anglican Communion, Carey said that the decision had major implications for the whole of the church and urged that individual dioceses should not 'go it alone' in making decisions in such matters.
'Precisely because there are strong views on all sides of this issue, I believe that departure from the main thrust of Anglican moral tradition is sufficiently significant for individual dioceses not to act alone in relation to it,' Carey wrote.
Carey has also written to Ingham seeking clarification on five points:
* The precise status of the decision, the consent and ratification needed, and the process which now ensues;
* The extent and limitation of the pastoral oversight delegated to any episcopal visitor scheme to protect those who object to the decision;
* Safeguards for clergy and others dissenting from the move;
* The contribution so far, and possible future role, of the Canadian House of Bishops;
* The extent to which wider factors, including the implications for the Canadian province and the Anglican Communion, were a part of the debate.
Carey called on his fellow primates to resist invitations to intervene in the matter and thereby avoid aggravating an already volatile situation. He also asked for their prayers and support in the dialogue he has initiated with the diocese and the Anglican Church of Canada.
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