Inclusion at St. Laurence

St. Laurence strives to be truly welcoming to all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

In 2014, the parish entered into a discernment process regarding same-sex blessings. In April of that year, we had a Special Parish meeting and passed a motion to allow same-sex blessings. 92% of the parish voted in favour.

In the fall of 2016, the parish council, as well as others from the congregation who wished to join us, participated in a Safe Space Training led by http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/

We continue to work to find ways to truly welcome and be with our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in Christ.

Moving Forward–>Embracing Diversity

In January 2017, a group of lay people met at St. Laurence to found a lay movement to advocate for same-sex blessings (and ultimately same-sex marriage) in the Diocese of Calgary.

In September 2017, a member of both Moving Forward–>Embracing Diversity and St. Laurence filed a motion to be voted on at October’s Diocesan Synod. The motion reads as follows:

“This Synod requests the Bishop to grant permission to any Clergy who may wish to bless the unions of faithful, committed, Christian same-sex couples.  In requesting such permission clergy and lay people of the Diocese of Calgary shall be entrusted to follow their consciences.”

In October, the 77th Synod of the Diocese of Calgary passed the motion with 57.4% voting in favour.

This was an important vote as it showed for the first time that the majority of the people in the Diocese are supportive of the full inclusion of same-sex couples.

Following the outcome of General Synod 2019, many Dioceses across Canada stated that they will now perform same-sex marriages.

Our newly-elected Primate (head) of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, has stated that clergy in her current Diocese of Huron may conduct same-sex marriages without consulting or getting permission from their Bishop. We believe this sets the tone and standard for how the Anglican Church of Canada will now move forward with same-sex marriage.