Canadian Anglicans and Gay Couples

Canada’s Anglicans voted against allowing their churches to bless gay couples.

Most of the world’s Anglicans are theological conservatives who believe gay relationships violate Scripture. More liberal Anglicans emphasize social justice teachings in the Bible, leading them to support full acceptance of same-sex couples.

Anglican leaders have given the U.S. denomination until Sept. 30 to unequivocally pledge not to consecrate another openly gay bishop or authorize official prayers for same-sex couples. If Episcopalians fail to agree to the demands, they risk losing full membership in the communion.

Some people in the worldwide Anglican Communion are angry that the U.S. Episcopal Church consecrated it’s first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

This comes at a time when divisions over the Bible and homosexuality are threatening many different organized religions.