TORONTO (AP) — All but one of the Anglican Church of Canada's 30 bishops have apparently agreed to prevent blessings of same-sex unions until a national synod in 2004.
The exception, Michael Ingham of Vancouver, British Columbia, said he will soon give consent to three congregations that want to perform such ceremonies. That step was approved by the diocesan convention last June.
The bishops' message admitted they are "unable to speak with a unanimous voice" on the Bible's teaching about homosexuality. They also urged conservative protesters in Ingham's diocese to seek reconciliation "before the fracture widens."
The Vancouver move has been applauded by Canadian and U.S. liberals and severely criticized by conservatives, who hold a strong majority among Anglican bishops internationally.