Letter to the editor: There are other options

Notes: "The late Archbishop Lewis Garnsworthy argued in 1982 that the Anglican church should stop performing civil marriage ceremonies. Saying that the church should not act as a 'cheap auxiliary to the state', he called for Canadian marriages to consist of a civil marriage performed by the state with the additional option of a 'service of blessing' for those who wish to have the integrity and sanctity of their committed relationship affirmed and solemnized by their faith community. Regardless of a decision or indecision achieved by the 2016 General Synod, this remains an option for clergy whose bishops are truly committed to 'achieving the greatest pastoral generosity possible'." [Text of entire article.]

Subjects: Civil marriage - Canada; Marriage - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Garnsworthy, Lewis S. (Lewis Samuel), 1922-1990