Canadian Anglicans Approve Liturgies for Gender Transition
by Sue Careless, The Living Church:
The Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod authorized “Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Transition and Affirmation” June 30, but added the provision “where authorized by the ordinary.”
All liturgies must first be authorized by General Synod, but ordinaries (diocesan bishops) have authority over the liturgical practices in their dioceses.
So, while Resolution A122 passed easily with the amendment, those theologically conservative diocesan bishops who do not support such liturgies need not approve their use.
The ACC met in Calgary in collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada from June 27 to July 2, but the Anglicans and Lutherans did not vote on each other’s resolutions.
No texts of the liturgies were provided to the delegates. although some delegates were familiar with the rites as they had been used on a trial basis in a few parishes over the past year. They have also been online for some time. Delegates discussed the resolution and voted on it on principle.
It was not clear from the debate whether these rites would be offered to minors, or whether they would require parental permission.
The Faith, Worship, and Ministry Coordinating Committee submitted the motion. In a background note, the committee explained:
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