News Roundup

Canada’s top court denies appeal
Vancouver

Parishes that leave the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) but seek to retain their buildings and assets may think twice about going to court after a recent Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision. Ongoing litigation between the diocese of New Westminster and four Vancouver congregations, now affiliated with the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC), culminated on June 16 in the SCC’s denying their most recent appeal and awarding further court costs to the diocese. Clergy in the four Vancouver congregations left the Anglican Church of Canada in 2008, largely over the blessing of same-sex relationships. The legal dispute focused on the ownership of church buildings and assets.The final costs awarded to New Westminster are upwards of $175,000, according to a diocesan source.

Same-sex blessings get the nod
Halifax

The blessing of civil marriages between same-sex couples can now take place in the Anglican diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

A resolution giving priests and parishes the option to bless same-sex unions was approved by a majority vote at the 143rd synod of the diocese in Halifax last May.

Parishes and clergy are free to opt out of blessing same-sex unions, the diocesan bishop, Sue Moxley, told Anglican Journal. Bishop Moxley added that parishes will need “to decide where they want to be with a pastoral response” on the issue.

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island becomes the eighth diocese within the Anglican Church of Canada to move forward with same-sex blessings