Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 18:57:30 -0400
From: Chris Ambidge <chris.ambidge@utoronto.ca>
Subject: *Integrator* files for 1991


INTEGRATOR, the newsletter of Integrity/Toronto
volume 91-7, issue date 1991 11 01

copyright 1991 Integrity/Toronto.  The hard-copy version of this
newsletter carries the ISSN 0843-574X

Integrity/Toronto Box 873 Stn F Toronto ON Canada M4Y 2N9

== contents ==

[91-7-1]
BISHOP FINLAY CALLS FOR CONTINUING DIALOGUE  /  by Chris Ambidge

[91-7-2]
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE LAST *Integrator* ?

[91-7-3]
INTEGRITY/TORONTO'S SERVICE OF HOPE AND PRAYER  /  28 August 1991
     at Holy Trinity, for those involved in the Jim Ferry situation

[91-7-4]
HELP!

[91-7-5]
Excerpts from the BISHOP'S CHARGE TO THE 139TH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE
     OF TORONTO  /  by The Rt Rev Terence Finlay ; St James' Cathedral,
     26 September 1991

[91-7-6]
LET US PRAY...  / Intercessory prayer used at the special service in
     support of Jim Ferry on 28 August  /  by John Gartshore

[91-7-7]
QUOTE OF THE MONTH

[91-7-8]
THE 139TH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO  /  by Norm Rickaby

[91-7-9]
INTEGRITY BOOTH AT TORONTO'S DIOCESAN SYNOD

[91-7-10]
HOUSE OF BISHOPS TO DISCUSS HOMOSEXUALITY

[91-7-11]
CALIFORNIA BISHOP BANS INTEGRITY

[91-7-12]
COMMENT FROM OUR CO-CONVENER  /  by Norm Rickaby

[91-7-13]
ANGLICAN MAGAZINE


========


[91-7-1]
BISHOP FINLAY CALLS FOR CONTINUING DIALOGUE
by Chris Ambidge


In his charge to Diocesan Synod in September, Bishop Finlay called for
the Church in this Diocese to be a safe meeting place where people of
good will could come together to address homosexuality.  He called for
people from both sides of the issue to listen carefully and to try and
understand each other.  He is on record as being committed to a
continuing dialogue in an effort to understand how the Church can be
inclusive and just to gays and lesbians.  This is good news.

This call for dialogue is many things for Integrity.  It is both a
challenge and an opportunity.  We must now take the initiative to make
sure that the dialogue does indeed take place.  I have before now quoted
Gandhi, and will do so again:  "Those who shout hear only their own
voice".  Dialogue is anything but shouting.  It is not debate, it is not
an exchange of polemics.  It is people-focused, rather than issue-
focused.  It is a real attempt, on the part of all parties, to
understand.

Integrity's charter ministry is to represent gays and lesbians to the
Church, and vice-versa.  I am convinced that this dialogue is the way
that we must move.  In mutual understanding and love the Body of Christ
will be built up and strengthened, with both lesgay and straight
Christians included, and understanding each other.

Lesgay issues have, perforce, come very much to the fore of late in the
Anglican Church.  I believe that we have been led by God's grace to "the
fullness of time" when groups who are now divided by fear, by false
assumptions, and by long estrangement, are starting to communicate
again.  There will be a strong movement to back away from this
opportunity, to paper over the  cracks in the wall of misunderstanding
that is the status quo.  Integrity cannot let that happen.

I am committed to this dialogue.  So is Bishop Terry. So should we all
be.  We must not let this opportunity slip by.

========


[91-7-2]
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE LAST *Integrator* ?

[The last issue of *Integrator* was three months ago, for which gap your
editor apologises.  As you will see in this issue, rather a lot has been
happening in the interim.  Herewith a recap of recent events.]

Readers of the last issue will know that in July Bishop Terence Finlay,
Diocesan of Toronto, essentially "fired" the Reverend James Ferry,
removing him from the parish of St. Philip's-on-the-Hill in Unionville
and inhibiting him from functioning as a priest.

This action followed a private meeting between the Bishop with his
Assistant and Ferry and one of his parish Wardens.  The meeting had been
requested by Jim to inform the Bishop of an attempt by three couples in
the parish to oust Jim by threatening to spread a rumour that he was
gay.  In this meeting, Jim informed the Bishop honestly that he was
indeed a gay may living in a discreet, loving relationship.

The Sunday after inhibiting Jim, the Bishop had a letter read publicly
in the parish informing the congregation that Jim had been dismissed.
This letter, later released to the media in a Diocesan press release,
inappropriately outed Jim by giving the Bishop's reason as Jim's
"decision to remain in a continuing relationship with another man."

Shortly after that, the secular media picked up the story and publicised
it widely.  The summer issue of *Integrator* was focused on the
dismissal, since it strikes exactly at Integrity's reason for being.
That issue of *Integrator* went to every parish priest in the Diocese of
Toronto and to all members of the Canadian House of Bishops.  More has
happened in the three months since then.

On August 28th, a very hot Wednesday evening, Integrity/Toronto hosted a
Service of Prayer for those most closely involved with the issue:  The
Rev. James Ferry, the Parish of St. Philip's-on-the-Hill, and Rt. Rev.
Terence Finlay.  The Church of the Holy Trinity in downtown Toronto was
filled to capacity with a crowd of more than 250 people praying that
justice might be done, and expressing support for Jim.

At that same service, the wearing of bright pink ribbons as a sign of
continuing concern and support for Jim was instituted.  At many parishes
around the city - and in churches of other denominations - these ribbons
can still be seen week by week.  They were also much in evidence at the
Diocese of Toronto's Annual Synod held at the end of September.

Integrity/Toronto was also able to begin the process of raising funds
for Jim as he faced both the prospect of unemployment and no financial
support as well as the costly business of initiating litigation against
the Bishop.  [NOTE:  This process continues -- see "HELP!" article 91-7-
4, below]

On September 12th, Jim filed legal proceedings in Ontario Court citing
wrongful dismissal, aggravated by the Bishop's breach of confidence in
outing Jim both to the parish by letter and to the whole world by Press
Release.

On September 23rd, Jim received an official Letter of Deposition of
Office from the Bishop.  This letter confirmed his termination as an
employee of the Diocese.  On the 24th, just two days before the
beginning of Synod (at which it was already clear that questions would
be raised), the Bishop announced in a Press Release that Jim was to be
restored to payroll, though still inhibited, pending the convening of a
Bishop's Court at which charges against him would be heard.

However, this action by the Bishop did not prevent the Bishop's actions
against Jim being raised at Diocesan Synod.  A motion asking for
investigation of how the Church can ensure that lesgay Anglicans are
made sure of their welcome in the Church despite the events of the
summer was quickly referred to Executive Committee (and therefore not
debated).  Members' Hour on both days of the business meeting saw a good
number of people rising to address the issues of Christianity and
homosexuality and lesbian and gay clergy.

In his Charge to the Synod, Bishop Finlay reiterated his belief that his
actions were in accordance with the discipline of the Church and the
position of the Canadian House of Bishops.  However, Finlay expressed
his hope that the Church "can be a meeting place for people to address
the issues of homosexuality" and called for "parishes to provide safe
places where people will make time...to listen carefully and try to
understand each other...beginning with the gay/lesbian stories and
resource kit [*Our Stories/Your Story*] available from Church House."

Integrity/Toronto intends to heed the Bishop's call and do what we can
to encourage such education and understanding.

========


[91-7-3]
INTEGRITY/TORONTO'S SERVICE OF HOPE AND PRAYER


More than 250 people - clergy and lay, straight and gay - crowded into
the Church of the Holy Trinity in downtown Toronto on a sweltering hot
Wednesday evening August 28th.  Some came with their shock and
indignation at the treatment Jim and his parish had received.  Others
came with sadness that their hopes for a Church which is moving,
changing and learning had been dashed.

The service began with The Service of Light [page 61 of the BAS].  The
building was darkened and the procession entered with the Paschal
candle.  During the singing of *Phos Hilaron* (a version written by the
Rev.  Paul Gibson), tapers throughout the building were lit.  A prayer
was offered - "Enlighten us in times of darkness by the light of your
Christ and the presence of your Spirit.  May your word of justice, mercy
and love be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path."

Integrity Co-Convenor Norm Rickaby welcomed the people to the service,
finishing with the words: "We come to pray.  We pray for Jim, a man
called to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that God may continue to
direct him and work through him.  We pray for the parish of St.
Philip's, a community traumatised and injured by the Bishop's sudden
removal of their spiritual leader.  And we pray for Bishop Finlay.  We
do not see him as our enemy.  He is also a man called and beloved of
God.  We pray for God's continued direction and work in and through him
also."

On behalf of the parish of Holy Trinity Church, the Reverend Jack Adam
also brought words of welcome to the people assembled for the service.

The congregation, led in worship by two clergy - one male, one female -
continued with a service of Evensong.  Between scripture readings two
canticles were sung.  The Canticle of Mary (*Magnificat*) was sung in a
version by Miriam Therese Winter of the Medical Mission Sisters which
concludes:
         Praise God, whose loving covenant
            supports those in distress
         remembering past promises
            with present faithfulness.

The Reverend Brad Lennon, priest of the Church of the Apostles, preached
the sermon which encouraged us all to be less willing to point
accusations of injustice and homophobia at others than to consider where
those faults may dwell within ourselves.

The congregation joined in prayer in a litany which is printed in full
elsewhere in this issue.

As the service drew to a close, an offering was received which, after
expenses, was donated to assist Jim Ferry with the expenses of legal
advice and services.  Because there were so many more people present
than we had dared hope, the hymn ran out before the offering plates
could reach everyone in the church [Editor's note:  when all the funds
were counted from this service, close to $3,000 had been realised.]
Another hymn was sung and then the word of dismissal pronounced,
"Let us share God's peace and vow that we will go forth committed to
lives of prayerful witness to Christ's ministry of justice and loving
kindness."

After the service, many people stayed on to offer hugs and supportive
words to Jim Ferry and to representatives of St. Philip's parish who
were present.

========


[91-7-4]
HELP!


Jim Ferry is (again) on the Diocesan payroll.  However, he is still
fighting for fair treatment from his employer.   His legal expenses are
considerable and ongoing.  Although this legal action is on Jim's
behalf, it is also a test case.  In many ways, he is fighting not only
for himself, but also on behalf of all gays and lesbians in the Church.

If you would like to contribute to those legal expenses, you can do it
in  one of two ways:  (i) mail a cheque, payable to "Integrity/Toronto"
with a note indicating that it is for Jim Ferry, to Box 873, Stn F
Toronto M4Y 2N9, or  (ii) mail a  cheque, payable to "Harvey L Hamburg
in trust", to The Jim Ferry Defence Fund, c/o 97 Maitland St, Toronto
M4Y 1E3.  THANK YOU.

========


[91-7-5]
Excerpts from the
BISHOP'S CHARGE TO THE 139TH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO
The Rt Rev Terence Finlay  /  St James' Cathedral, 26 September 1991


...Let us look at some of these contentious issues now.  One of the most
obvious examples took place this summer when, because of a Priest's
decision to continue in a relationship with a person of the same gender,
I was forced to inhibit him in light of the discipline of the Church and
the position of the Canadian House of Bishops.  This has been one of the
most agonising decisions of my episcopate.  It has involved our Church
in much publicity and now an impending court case, so I am somewhat
constrained in what I can say.  Nevertheless let me make a brief
comment.

[At this point, the Bishop read from a statement he issued to the press
two days earlier:] "In the summer the Reverend James Ferry came to see
me with his churchwarden and told me of his sexual orientation and his
lifestyle which he intended to continue.

"At that time and at a subsequent meeting it was my understanding that
Mr Ferry wished me to deal with the situation as Bishop and accordingly
I did so.

"You will know that he has now commenced a lawsuit against me and
against the Diocese for wrongful dismissal and for other relief, and
specifically his Statement of Claim raises the issue as to whether or
not I ought to have submitted the matter to a Bishop's Court.  It is not
and has not been my intention to deprive Mr Ferry of an opportunity to
put his case to such a court and since it now appears that he wishes
such an opportunity it is my intention so submit the question to a
Bishop's Court.

"Accordingly, I have suspended my Order of Revocation of his licence and
deprivation until such time as a Court can be convened to deal with the
matter.

"The Order of Inhibition will remain in force.  The effect of this is
that he will continue to be paid until the matter has been dealt with by
a Bishop's Court and until I have received and dealt with the
recommendations and finding of that Court."

Secondly, some people are asking - "How could the Bishops do this if
they are committed to the Mission, Intention and Goals Statement of the
Diocese?"  Clearly, there are those who believe that the concerns of the
MIG, for "inclusive" and "justice", imply that the priest should not
have been disciplined.  At the same time, the Bishops of the Canadian
Church take an oath at the time of their ordination to "guard the faith,
unity and discipline of the Church".

Gays and lesbians in the life of the Church is a fact.  The Church is
enriched by their presence, both as laity and clergy.  The House of
Bishop's statement of 1979, however, says:

    1)  Our present and future considerations about homosexuality
      should be pursued within the larger study of human
      sexuality in its totality;
    2)  We accept all persons, regardless of sexual orientation,
      as equal before God; our acceptance of persons with
      homosexual orientation is not an acceptance of homosexual
      activity;
    3)  We do not accept the blessing ... of homosexual unions.
    4)  We will not call in question the ... ordination of a
      person who has ... shared with the bishop his/her
      homosexual orientation if there has been a commitment to
      the bishop from sexual acts with persons of the same sex as
      part of the requirement for ordination.

Some feel this position leads to hypocrisy in the Church, others claim
it is a valid expectation.

The National Executive Council of the Anglican Church of Canada has
asked the House of Bishops to revisit its 1979 position.  I believe that
this discussion should involve all areas of the Church and therefore I
am committed to a continuing dialogue in the Church in an effort to
understand how the Church can be inclusive and just both for
gays/lesbians and for the people who are sceptical about homosexuality.

There are some who fear homosexuality and to them I say, I will not
tolerate homophobic "witch hunts", nor "gay bashing".  Instead, I hope
that the Church can be a meeting place for people to address the issues
of homosexuality. I would encourage parishes to provide safe places
where people will take time in the next couple of years to listen
carefully and try to understand each other.  I suggest beginning with
the gay/lesbian stories and resource kit, available from Church House.
This may encourage you to move on to a study of medical information and
scriptural scholarship.  Is it possible for the Church to be a place of
reconciliation in this area?  ...


...Earlier I mentioned the chasms I feel growing between opposing points
of view.  People are gathering on either side and they will be helpful
in discussion, but I don't need more people in opposite camps.  What I
need in this Diocese are people of good will who are willing to be
bridge builders.  I need people who will reach our and listen to someone
on the other side, to act with care, to know how to give and take.
Bridge builders do not somehow hover in the centre and then move out in
two directions to reach the sides, they begin from one side of the
other.  For the Church this means people who feel strongly about an
issue having the courage to set aside their defensiveness and to start
slowly building a relationship, a bridge.  Now, it is not going to work
if someone on the other side is not also starting to do the same thing.
A bridge need support and bridge builders will need to support and
encourage each other.  Building a bride is a delicate and difficult
task. It takes a special person to do this, but I have to believe that
clergy and lay members of Synod, gathered here tonight, are those who
care about building Christian community, who care about the Church and
its future.  Surely Jesus is calling us to do this.  If not here in the
Church, where can we learn how to care for and love each other even if
we disagree?

In the words of Norman Pittinger, "The Anglican spirit is that in which
conservatism and liberalism are held in balance by constant appeal to
scripture, history, reason and experience."  Through the years there has
emerged the criteria of comprehensiveness -- not compromise, not
bargaining one truth for another, nor syncretism, nor relativism, rather
the apprehension of truth as a growing thing, constantly guided by the
Holy Spirit.  I challenge you to build bridges in your parish and within
the Diocese.  I need you to do this.

          = = = = = =

[Editor's Note:  Norman Pittinger, quoted above, was the keynote speaker
at Integrity's founding convention in Chicago, 1975.]

========


[91-7-6]
LET US PRAY...
[These are the intercessions written by John Gartshore for the special
service in support of Jim Ferry on 28 August 1991.  We invite you to use
them in your own devotions.]

Let us pray to the God of justice and peace saying "God in your mercy,
hear our prayer"

O God, the giver of many vocations through gifts differing, we thank you
for the special gifts of our brother Jim, especially his faithful and
wise priestly service for eleven years.  Be with him now, and let him
hear your call to whatever the future holds.  *God in your mercy...*

Gentle Jesus, we saw you deal angrily with the money changers who
defiled your temple.  See your people now, angry at injustice done to
our brother, Jim, and worried about what may happen next.  Make us your
hands to raise him to a new hope and a bright future.  *God in your
mercy...*

Teacher Jesus, you told us to love our enemies, even though you knew
that it's hard.  Visit our enemies in their need; enter into their
hearts and ours so that we may try to find reconciliation and love, even
in disagreement. *God in your mercy...*

Strong and peaceful Jesus, you came to your friends as they met behind
locked doors, fearing the religious authorities.  As you said "Peace" to
them, say it again to us, especially now that we have to hide away our
loved ones for fear of our pastor.  For it was through the disciples in
their closet that you gave your Church power to make peace.  *God in
your mercy...*

Battered Jesus, as they stripped you naked and raised you up for the
world to see, so too they have stripped our brother of his privacy.  As
you forgave, may we also forgive, for they know not what they do. *God
in your mercy...*

Jesus, example of courage and compassion, we thank you for then nerve it
took for some to be here now.  Share your boldness and tenacity with us,
that, holding each other's hand, we may find the strength and wisdom we
need. *God in your mercy...*

God of Ruth and Abram and Philemon and Mary, your scriptures abound with
tales of different kinds of families in which people grew up and
married, made hospitality and homes, and lived in mutual love and
support.  Make us aware of your abiding presence as we try to make our
kind of family circle, that we may stand firm in our commitments. *God
in your mercy...*

God the Holy Spirit, by your presence here, grant us understanding in
all things.  Give us the kind of loyalty which shuns war, compromise,
and despair, and leads to peace, commitment, and everlasting hope. *God
in your mercy...*

Mighty God, we ask these things in Jesus' name.         AMEN.

========


[91-7-7]
[QUOTE OF THE MONTH]

"They're called pastoral guidelines -- but how are they pastoral?
They've trashed a priest, a parish, a bishop and the church.  They're a
no-win proposition!"

========


[91-7-8]
THE 139TH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO
by Norm Rickaby


A decade ago, at Toronto's Diocesan Synod, Integrity's chaplain rose
during Members' Hour to let people know that a support group for lesbian
and gay Anglicans, called Integrity, existed.  There has been silence
about us at Synod since then.

At the 139th Synod, held from Thursday evening September 26th to
Saturday September 28th 1991, that silence was broken.  However, a
number of members of Integrity/Toronto are members of Synod and have
participated in its work for years.  The success of our efforts in
having a table in the coffee/display area just outside the main meeting
room is reported elsewhere in this issue.

Bishop Finlay addressed the matter of the dismissal and deprivation of
the Rev. Jim Ferry in his Charge to Synod.  Although it did not appear
on the agenda for the business sessions of Synod (the agenda is mostly
prepared in June), one motion was presented requesting some
investigation into the Church's ability to be welcoming to lesgay people
*in light of* the recent action of the Bishop.  This motion was referred
to the Executive Committee with no debate.

On the other hand, there was considerable discussion at both Members'
Hours.  These are times scheduled into the Agenda of Synod at which any
member of Synod may rise and speak for up to five minutes on any issue.
Probably a good half of the Members' Hour time on Friday and perhaps a
third of the time on Saturday was taken by members expressing disquiet
about the events of July and with more general concerns about the
Church's position on homosexuality.

The second speaker at Members' Hour on Friday was Integrity's own Chris
Ambidge.  In a strikingly courageous way, Chris introduced himself as
one who had been an elected member of Synod for a number of years, an
Anglican all his life, a Christian *and* a gay man.  Chris explained
that he was speaking as one of the ten percent of the population who are
gay, and that he was in a position to speak out on behalf of the many
who were unable to do so.  Chris was referring to the large number of
lesbian/gay employees of the Diocese of Toronto.  He was also speaking
of the atmosphere of oppression and fear that remains in the Church and
in society.  This is the fear that keeps people "in the closet" - an
atmosphere not helped by the firing and outing of Jim Ferry.

Chris welcomed the call of the Bishop in his Charge to Synod for
dialogue and "bridge building" and expressed his willingness to
participate in the dialogue.

The sincerity, eloquence and "guts" that Chris demonstrated in his five
minutes before Synod [and CBC television news cameras] were much
commended by other speakers in Members' Hour and by many people
personally to him and to those of us at the Integrity table.

Other speakers rose during the Friday Members' Hour to comment.  We
don't have enough room to report all those who spoke in favour of
inclusion of lesgays, but among them was lay woman who identified
herself as straight and who spoke of how the Church has constantly
changed its position.  She mentioned, by way of example, the Church's
change from its former support of slavery, and the change in attitudes
and policies regarding women in ministry.  "Change is tough," she
stated, "but we *have* changed!" She suggested that it is high time we
worked for change in our attitudes and policies about lesbians and gays
as well.

The Rev. Canon Vince Goring, a retired priest of the Diocese, also
talked of the need for change in the Church's position.  He spoke of his
experience of change in the Church over the years of his ministry -
referring, as an example, to the position with regard to re-marrying
divorced persons.  He also questioned the position of some that the
purpose of sex is simply for the procreation of children.  "That is
*not*," he said, "the Anglican position." He said that it is not fair to
continue to deny recognition by the Church of the relationship and
unions of lesbians and gays.

A male priest stood to reflect what Chris Ambidge had said.  He began,
"I am a Christian, an Anglican and I am straight." Having said that, he
pointed out that it took no courage on his part to say that nor did it
elicit any stir of reaction from the crowd.  On the other hand, for
Chris to say, "I am a Christian, an Anglican and I am gay," was an act
of courage and was seen by some to be shocking.  That, the priest said,
was no longer either acceptable or fair.

This priest continued that in his reading of scripture, Jesus seemed to
be at ease with including the "different".  Where Jesus seemed to have
the most trouble was with including the judgmental.  The speaker
challenged people at Synod to risk getting to know "the lesbians and
gays in your parish."

Two of the speakers on Friday were not so gay-positive.  A priest stood
to say that his study of scripture led him to believe that homosexual
behaviour was "not an option for Christians".

A lay woman rose at the end of Friday's hour to speak of the "healing"
of homosexuals and to praise the work of "Exodus International" who had
held their convention in Toronto this past June.

The discussion continued in Saturday's Members' Hour.  This writer rose
first to give a brief rebuttal to the "Exodus International" supporter,
mentioning that the two co-founders of Exodus had since renounced their
connection with such efforts.

It was also necessary to speak up on behalf of Integrity/Toronto.  We
had been informed by several people that a rumour had been circulating
that Integrity had planned to protest the firing of Jim Ferry by staging
a demonstration to disrupt the opening Eucharist of Synod!  We in
Integrity are members of the Church and will continue to work within the
Church, Synod was told.  When we go to Church, we go there to worship
God.  We are not a terrorist group!

Another speaker on Saturday morning was the Dean of one of the Anglican
Theological Colleges in Toronto.  Though rising to speak on another
issue, he also spoke to the question of sexuality.  He said that quoting
the Bible to back any particular position on sexuality presents extreme
difficulty.  "We have to wrestle with what those texts meant to the
people who first heard them before we can determine what they mean to us
(if anything)."

A priest who is known to be conservative invoked scripture in a number
of ways.  He took issue with those who claim that Jesus said nothing
about homosexuality:  the priest holds that Christ's prohibition of
fornication applies in all cases.  He sees the only biblical model for
legitimate sexual expression as "man shall leave parents and cleave to
wife".  He stated that while the Gospel encourages us to love everyone,
there is also the admonition to "go and sin no more".

Another speaker was a professor of theology who reminded us that the
purpose of scripture is not to take us "back to some comfortable place",
but rather to lead us forward into a vision of the future.

The Reverend Peter Moore, Incumbent of Little Trinity Church in Toronto,
has spoken publicly in other forums against the idea of homosexuality
being acceptable.  He said that he was wary of identifying "compassion"
as something which belonged only to one side or the other. He suggested
that, in the question of accepting gays and lesbians, we are being asked
to change something fundamental in our view of the Church.

Moore also asked whether inclusivity means that we must love and accept
people whatever their beliefs or practices.  He cautioned against the
position that deep personal love necessarily allows genital sexual
contact.  The logical extension of this, he said, would be to condone
incest between loving parent and child.

The debate and discussion around homosexuality at this Synod came to no
definitive pronouncement, and such a pronouncement would have been
premature. In his Charge, Bishop Finlay called for a continuing dialogue
in the Church on this matter.  Part of that dialogue took place on the
floor of Synod.

In the memory of many who have been attending Synods for a number of
years, this is the first time that homosexuality has been openly
discussed at such a meeting.  Further, thanks to both the presence of
Integrity/Toronto and to the bold declaration of Chris Ambidge, members
of Synod have had the opportunity to see and meet openly, self-declared
lesgay people.

========


[91-7-9]
INTEGRITY BOOTH AT TORONTO'S DIOCESAN SYNOD


This year, for the first time in a long time, Integrity/Toronto had a
visible presence at the Diocese's annual Synod meeting; and for the
first time ever we had a table in the Synod display area.  Literature
was provided to people who sought information, and some of our members
staffed the area to encourage dialogue and to answer questions.

This year has been a significant one for lesbians and gays in the
Anglican Church of Canada and for those of us involved with the Diocese
of Toronto:

o    The National Church's Working Group on Gays and Lesbians in the
Church produced and published its resource book, *Our Stories/Your
Story*.

o    The Diocesan AIDS Committee had set a goal for its efforts over the
next year or two to make the Diocese and its churches "AIDS Friendly" -
a goal which, given the Canadian data regarding the numbers of people
infected, *must* include working to make the Diocese and its churches
"Gay/Lesbian Friendly."

o    Early this year, the National House of Bishops committed itself to
looking at the issue of homosexuality in the Church at its November 1991
meeting.

o    The Reverend Jim Ferry was dismissed and outed last July, which
both traumatised him and made lesgays in the Church feel very un-
welcome.

All of these events have helped to focus the attention of people of this
Diocese on the fact that gays and lesbians are here and part of the
Church.

It was, then, a most appropriate time for Integrity/Toronto to be
present with a display and information table at the Synod.  Synod is
quite big -- this year there were 902 voting members.  Many of them
stopped by to talk to us.  A lot of clergy, who had received the summer
issue of *Integrator* in our expanded mailing, expressed their
appreciation for our efforts and for the information.  Sandy Tipper, Co-
Convenor and Programme person, was delighted that a number of clergy
spoke to him about being put on our schedule to conduct services for us.
The schedule is now full to the middle of February!

In addition, people came to us for literature and for sources of further
study.  A number of individuals said that they knew little about
homosexuality and felt it was time that they started to learn.
Inquirers cleaned us out of one of our pamphlets and many were
interested in a bibliography.

The atmosphere was friendly.  We were in a good location (couldn't miss
us on the way to the washroom!) and highly visible.  Of course, we
noticed certain individuals take a wide berth around us, and when it was
someone we know it was a bit painful to see that happening.

Certainly the experience of being there was a good one.  We expect that
we will do the same again in future and we encourage the other Chapters
to consider doing the same at their own Diocesan Synods.

========


[91-7-10]
HOUSE OF BISHOPS TO DISCUSS HOMOSEXUALITY


The House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada will be meeting in
Mississauga the first week of November.  One morning will be given to an
*in camera* discussion of the Church and homosexuality.

The [National] House of Bishops has not, to our knowledge, put time on
its agenda for this issue since the late 1970's.  Back at that time a
public statement affirmed lesgay people as members of the Church with a
"full and equal claim...upon the love, acceptance, concern, and pastoral
care of the Church".  The statement further supported equal protection
under the law for homosexual persons with all other citizens.

While recognising at that time that "some homosexuals" enter into
relationships of "mutual support, help, and comfort", the Bishops denied
any possibility of clergy pronouncing a blessing upon such a union.

Around that same period, the Bishops prepared their *Pastoral Guideline*
regarding the ordination of self-declared gay or lesbian candidates.  It
is this guideline which Bishop Finlay has quoted in support of firing
Jim Ferry.

In the past 20 years, Church and society have gone through many changes.
Attitudes regarding gender, relationships, and sexuality have shifted
dramatically.  Twenty years ago, women were not yet being ordained in
our Church.  Twenty years ago, the majority of couples coming to the
Church for marriage were not already living together - or were certainly
not prepared to admit to it to their priest.  That is far from the case
today.

In the past 10 to 12 years, since the Bishops last dealt with
homosexuality, major changes have taken place in attitudes towards
homosexuality both in the Church and in society.  Serious work on
scriptural interpretation has required new views of the few biblical
texts which have been used to condemn homosexuality.  A number of
congregations in a variety of denominations have employed, commissioned
or ordained openly lesbian or gay ministers.

The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, which draws
its membership largely from the community of lesbians, gays, and their
families, is one of the world's fastest growing denominations.

Leaders in a variety of faith traditions - including Jewish, Islamic,
and First Nations - have also been confronting the reality of gays and
lesbians in their midst.

It's certainly time that the House of Bishops revisited and discussed
the Church's position and moved towards a re-thinking and re-stating of
(at least) the questions raised by homosexuality.  The proposed agenda
for the discussion allots, however, only one half day after twelve years
of inaction.  [At press time, Integrity had heard a rumour that this
time *may* be extended.   We hope so.]

The agenda committee for the meeting has decided - wisely, we believe, -
that discussion at this meeting be held *in camera* with, apparently, no
intention of achieving any more than an exchange of ideas, positions and
questions within the group.  A substantial number of the Bishops in the
House today were not Bishops the last time these discussions were held,
and it is important for them to feel free to voice themselves without
the need to come to consensus at this time.

We DO hope, however, that out of this discussion will come a sense that
there is much work to be done and that the Bishops will leave this
meeting determined to do their "homework", individually and
collectively.

We encourage the Bishops to sit down face to face with lesbian and gay
people to openly discuss what it's like to grow up in a family, a
society, and a Church knowing that one is gay and knowing that who one
IS, one's very identity, is a problem?  We encourage them to read some
of the contemporary books (mostly available from The Anglican Book
Centre) which discuss homosexuality from a theological, historical, or
sociological point of view.

Integrity (meaning Integrity/Toronto and the other Chapters across
Canada) looks forward to an opportunity to assist the House of Bishops
and to provide whatever opportunities we can for open dialogue and
discussion.

========


[91-7-11]
CALIFORNIA BISHOP BANS INTEGRITY


A letter from Brian Jones, the President of Integrity of the Sierras, to
chapters of Integrity across North America contains the information that
Bishop John-David Schofield of the Diocese of San Joaquin has forbidden
Integrity to meet on any Episcopal Church property.  The Bishop has also
forbidden the announcing of any Integrity meetings or socials in church
publications.

Integrity of the Sierras is a Chapter "in formation" and had a priest
acting as Spiritual Advisor.  This priest, Fr Woody Peabody, has been
forbidden to have any contact with Integrity -- either on or off church
property.

The Bishop's assistant, Archdeacon Donald Seeks, was present at the
meeting between Schofield and Peabody and confirmed the information in a
telephone conversation with Brian Jones.  Seeks added that if Integrity
continues to meet, Schofield might take the further action of
excommunicating all members of the group!

Bishop Schofield is associated with the so-called "Episcopal Synod of
America" (ESA), an ultra-conservative group of dioceses and church-
people in the US that are opposed, among other things, to gays and to
the ordination of women.

Brian Jones asks for prayer for the members of Integrity of the Sierras.
He also asks that we pray "for Bishop Schofield, that he finds it in his
heart to love all people in his Diocese equally, and that he gives us
the same respect that he gives to the ESA group."

Letters of support to this group of lesgay Christians may be addressed
to:  Integrity of the Sierras, PO Box 520, San Andreas CA 95249 USA.
Letters to Bishop Schofield may be sent to:  The Rt Reverend John-David
Schofield, Diocese of San Joaquin, 4159 East Dakota Avenue, Fresno CA
93726 USA.

========


[91-7-12]
COMMENT FROM OUR CO-CONVENER
by Norm Rickaby


Since July, many people have written to Bishop Finlay expressing their
dismay and opposition to his inhibition and dismissal of the Reverend
James Ferry.

Bishop Finlay has been careful to answer letters, expressing his
appreciation for their concern and thanking them for writing, often with
a note jotted at the bottom - "Thank you for your frankness" or some
similar comment.

In most of these responses, the Bishop attempts to draw attention away
from his own actions and personal responsibility for what has happened
by referring to the general issue of Church policy and the fact that
homosexuality will be discussed by the National House of Bishops in
November.

There are two sides to this matter:  1) in general, "the issue", of the
position of lesgays in the Anglican Church; and 2) in the specific, the
actions taken in the case of Jim Ferry.  Bishop Finlay is addressing the
former, but remains intransigent on the latter.  We need to keep in mind
the fact that Jim Ferry is not an "issue", he is a flesh and blood
person.

As to "the issue", Bishop Finlay is working hard and taking steps to
ensure that the Diocese and the Church deal courageously with lesgays
who are sitting in the church pews.  He has called for bridge-building
and dialogue.  For this he is to be commended.

As to the second side, Bishop Finlay does not appear to be prepared to
move.  He continues to resort to the Bishops' *Pastoral Guideline* as
his only authority. What is pastoral about his interpretation and
implementation of this statement?

To give him credit, the Bishop has been courageous in his willingness to
meet with people whom he knows to be feeling angry and hostile towards
him. The Bishop has also, we believe, discovered that a number of people
he might have considered to be "on his side" - friends and trusted
allies - are also opposed to what he did and how he did it.

Late in August, Sandy Tipper and I (as Co-Conveners of Integrity/
Toronto) met with Finlay at his invitation.  At that time, rather than
reconsider his decision about Jim or admit to the possibility that he
made a mistake, the Bishop expressed interest in moving into the long,
slow task of studying the issue of homosexuality in the Church. He asked
for our assistance in seeing that "the issue" might continue to be
discussed.

At our meeting, we asked the Bishop, "In whose best interest could it
have been to remove Jim Ferry?" As a result of the Bishop's action, Jim
has suffered, a parish has been traumatised, the Diocese has come under
public scrutiny and criticism, and the Bishop himself is under attack
and not trusted. We continue to ask this question since the Bishop did
not answer it in our meeting.

We believe that Bishop Finlay is sincere in his expressed desire to work
for increased concern and understanding of the pain of lesbians and gays
in the Church. We believe that Integrity can work with the Bishop and in
support of his stated commitment to "continuing dialogue in the Church
in an effort to understand how the Church can be inclusive and just both
for gays/lesbians and for the people who are sceptical about
homosexuality."

We can and will work with and for our Church.  We are loyal Anglicans.
We have not in the past, nor will we in the future, turn our backs on
the Church, nor on our Bishops.  In the present situation, however, we
have a primary loyalty to our brother Jim and we will continue in that
loyalty.


========


[91-7-13]
ANGLICAN MAGAZINE


Enclosed with the paper version of this issue of *Integrator* was a
reprint of the September editorial from *Anglican Magazine*.  It is an
open letter from editor John Bird to Bishop Terry Finlay.

The next issue of *AM*  had a number of articles on the positions of
lesgays in the Anglican Church.  There were also several pages of
vituperative Letters-to-the-Editor, blasting him for his stand against
the Bishop of Toronto.  *This* editor would like to thank him for his
ongoing concern for people like me in the Church.  Subscription
information for *AM*  is on the reprint.

========

End of volume 91-7 of Integrator, the newsletter of Integrity/Toronto
copyright 1991 Integrity/Toronto
comments please to Chris Ambidge, Editor
        chris.ambidge@utoronto.ca   OR
Integrity/Toronto Box 873 Stn F Toronto ON Canada M4Y 2N9