Homosexuality in the Church

Your Grace, members of the General Synod, honoured guests.

This evening, we stand at a very vital part of what will form our collective history -- indeed our identity -- as Anglicans in the worldwide communion. It will come as no surprise to anyone in this room that the eyes of the country are focussed on the Synod tonight.

Our country is looking to the Anglican Church of Canada for direction. For vision. For action.

"For You and For Many" is the theme underlying our deliberations over these two weeks in Toronto. Indeed, we have taken concrete steps toward applying that challenge. We have finally recognized the indiginous right to self-determination. We have been willing to admit mistakes and work toward revitilizing our structure. We have committed ourselves to reflect the multicultural nature of the society around us.

So why can't our congregations reflect the sexuality of our society as well?

It's selective inclusiveness.

And it's wrong.

Let's be clear. The presence of homosexuality in our church is not a new presence. It is only a new issue. The distinction is important.

I stand before you as a prooud member of our church. I am a young member, and, by extension, will help form part of our common future. I believe it is that future to which we need to cast our eyes this evening.

I look forward to a future in which the church recognizes, accepts, and celebrates the individuality of the whole person.

I look forward to a future where people are judged on merit, not on sexual orientation.

And I pray for a future in which the church no longer places pre-requisites on being part of the body of Christ.