Statement due soon

Bishop Michael Ingham will announce in January whether he will permit blessings of same-sex unions.

As of press time, no date for the announcement had been finalized, said director of communications for the Diocese of New Westminster, Lorie Chortyk. Bishop Ingham plans to inform his fellow bishops across Canada of his decision by fax just before he meets privately with clergy and synod delegates.

An announcement will then be made to the media, Ms. Chortyk said.

A resolution was passed at the national House of Bishops meeting in November requesting Bishop Ingham to hold off announcing any decision on the issue until the House meets again in May. But the New Westminster diocesan council passed a resolution urging the bishop to announce a decision as soon as possible.

The diocese’s annual synod last May narrowly approved a motion asking the bishop to authorize clergy to bless same-sex unions if they so wish. Since then, Bishop Ingham has met twice with a council of advice to help him make a decision.