AAC Commends Worldwide Anglican Leaders for Saying No to Same-Sex Liturgies -- Urges Episcopal Church's General Convention to "Respect" Leaders' Godly Direction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MAY 28, 2003

CONTACT: Bruce Mason

202-296-5360  202-296-5361 (fax)

bmason@americananglican.org

The American Anglican Council (AAC) today commended the worldwide leaders of the Anglican Communion (the Primates) for stating unequivocally that they would not support the authorization of rites for same-sex blessings. In a Pastoral Letter released on May 27, 2003, at the conclusion of the May 19-26, 2003, gathering of Anglican Primates, the leaders said:

The question of public rites for the blessing of same-sex unions is still a cause of potentially divisive controversy. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke for us all when he said that it is through liturgy that we express what we believe, and that there is no theological consensus about same-sex unions.  Therefore, we as a body cannot support the authorisation of such rites.  

"The Anglican Primates have said a loud and clear 'no' to liturgies for same-sex unions," said AAC President Canon David Anderson. "They have rightfully recognized that blessing same-sex unions is 'divisive' and threatens the unity of our beloved Anglican Communion." 

The Primates' statement comes on the heels of the final report issued by the Theology Committee of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church recommending that this summer's General Convention not pass legislation sanctioning the development of ceremonies that would endorse homosexual relationships. 

The Theology Committee, in its report entitled "The Gift of Sexuality: A Theological Perspective," wrote: "Because at this time we are nowhere near consensus in the Church regarding the blessing of homosexual relationships, we cannot recommend authorizing the development of new rites for such blessings."

"The Anglican Primates have said 'no.' The ECUSA Bishops' Theological Commission has said 'no.' We now urge the General Convention of the Episcopal Church to respect the godly direction of the leaders of our local and worldwide Church and say 'no' to same-sex blessings," said Canon Anderson.

The AAC also welcomed the Primates' reminder to Anglicans of their duty of pastoral care for all persons including those in sexual relationships outside the biblical norm of marriage.

"The AAC joins with the Primates in urging Christians to love all those who are struggling with pastoral issues such as same-sex attraction," concurred Canon Anderson.  "God's love does not discriminate, and neither can ours. The transforming love of Jesus Christ is a love that must be shared with every person."

The American Anglican Council is a network of individuals, parishes, specialized ministries and Episcopal Bishops who affirm Biblical authority and Anglican orthodoxy within the Episcopal Church.  We are committed to proclaiming the Good News to every person and to working to reform and renew our Church.  For more information on the AAC, please visit http://www.americananglican.org.

Date: 5/28/2003