Ministering to Co-habiting Couples

Prologue: In presenting a progress report on behalf of the Task Force on Ministering to Cohabiting Couples, Bishop Mitchell noted that its mandate arose out of a Resolution passed at General Synod 1980 requesting that ways of providing pastoral ministry to people living together outside of marriage be studied.; In studying the current trend, Bishop Mitchell said that the Task Force refrained from condemning or condoning such arrangements, but tried to determine why and how they develop. He said that some of the typical circumstances which lead to such arrangements are: stepping-stone to marriage, those who are awaiting marriage in a legal sense in the midst of a marriage breakdown, or a substitute for marriage where there is no intention of entering into a life-long union and no intention of marriage.; Following a sharing of reflections and comments, it was [moved and seconded]

Text of motion: That time be assigned on the agenda of the next meeting of the House for an in-depth study of this matter. CARRIED #5-11-81

Notes: It was agreed that the Committee be requested to prepare a study paper for distribution prior to the next meeting of the House as a basis for study at the meeting.

Subjects: Cohabitation - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Unmarried couples - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Marriage - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Anglican Church of Canada. House of Bishops