"Our mission is to reflect Gods abundant love as we call people into lives of generosity and wholeness"
Huron Stewardship Statement
June 28, 2007
The Right Reverend BruceH .W . Howe
Bishop.pHCp ron
'1'0 the clergy of the Diocese of Huron
From: The Bishop of Huron

Greetings everyone. Trust you are beginning some well needed vacation or anticipating
some. Bishop Bob is beginning vacation for the month of July.
As I write this I have been home for just 24 hours with 'lots of catch up' to do. We had a
strong delegation who were faithful in attendance throughout the very long days with no
free time. In addition to our first email for those, without web cast or internet, I wanted
to write a few notes on the subject of sames ex/gender blessings. While Bishop Bob and
I discussed and agreed what needs to be said, he hasnot seen these actual words. Our
House of Bishops, with divergent views, continue to walk together as a community. We
were all there for Archbishop Fred's installation and we were together for our first
meeting with our new Primate on Tuesday.

Let me share what I believe is obvious:
The prohibition on same sex blessings is still in effect in the Diocese of Huron. General
Synod did not approve it and even if it had we haven't discussed it in the Diocese.
Having said that the Bishops in session on Tuesday had consensus that the Statement
from the House of Bishops to the Members of General Synod stands and is in effect. Let
me quote from part of the statement and you can read the full text on the internet or
request it from this office.

When a civilly married gay or lesbian couple seeks our church's
reception of their civil marriage and asks their parish's recognition,
it may be possible, with their bishop's knowledge and permission, to
celebrate a Eucharist with the couple, including appropriate intercessory
prayers but not including a nuptial blessing.

When a gay or lesbian married or committed couple seeks to hold a
reception or celebration in a church for their life in Christ, again
intercessory prayers for their mutual fidelity, the deepening of their
discipleship and for their baptismal ministry may be offered, not
including the exchange of vows and/or nuptial blessing.

Huron Church House
190 Queen's Avenue, London, Ontario N6A 6H7
Phone: (519) 434-6893 or 1-800-919-1115 (ON) Fax: (519) 673-4151
E-mail: bishops@huron.anglican.ca