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Marriage Policy
The Board of Elders of
Westminster United Church, in support of our National Church encouragement
offered through our Moderator, The Right Reverend, Doctor Peter Short, who, in a
letter to congregations dated June 28th, 2005, upheld the diversity
of our Church's constituency and also supported the Government of Canada's
timely adoption of Bill C-38, has covenanted to uphold this law believing
"Freedom of religion does not trump equality, nor does equality trump freedom of
religion; these rights must co-exist".1 We believe that through this
supportive action "Marriage will be enhanced, not diminished, religious freedom
will be protected, not threatened, and Canadian society will be strengthened,
not weakened, as a result of this legislation". 1 The Board also
believes that support for the Alberta Provincial Government's adherence
following the proclamation of, and effective date for, the federal Civil
Marriage Act of July 20, 2005 upholds the responsibility of our ministers to
conduct marriage services for such persons as have valid Marriage Licenses
issued by the province of Alberta exercising pastoral discretion as they see
fit. In so doing we continue to exercise our common ministry within our
congregation and before God. 1(June 27th, Richard Chambers speaking on behalf of the Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit of the united church of Canada.) |
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