Subject: Marriage Canon - Admission to Holy Communion

Moved By: Chancellor Ronald Stevenson from the Diocese of Fredericton

Seconded By: Bishop Barry Hollowell from the Diocese of Calgary

Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.

BE IT RESOLVED:

That second reading be given to the resolution

That Canon XXI be amended by deleting Part V - Admission to Holy Communion in Special Cases

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Part V of Canon XXI (Section 26) says:

In every case where a person has been remarried, except as provided above in this Canon, whose former and present partners are both living, desires a ruling with respect to admission to Holy Communion, the case shall be referred by the incumbent to the bishop of the diocese for judgment. In arriving at this judgment the bishop shall have due regard for the spiritual welfare of the petitioner as well as the provisions of this canon. The bishop shall give the judgment in writing to both the incumbent and the petitioner.

The Marriage Canon Task Force understood that this provision had not been adhered to for several years. They therefore recommended that Part V of the Canon be repealed.