Usually silent.

Dear editor,

Not all your readers may be aware that we can express our opinion on whether General Synod should approve a local option for the blessing of same-sex relationships. I urge the usually silent majority of non-dogmatic Anglicans to suggest that General Synod have the courage that Canadian courts have been displaying, in joining my wife and myself in advising the Synod along the following lines (to quote from my own letter to [e-mail]): "My wife Marie-Jeanne de Haller Coleman and I feel quite strongly that the blessing of same-sex marriage should have been approved long ago. Indeed, I think that this approval should have been given immediately when it was proposed at the 1978 Lambeth Conference in which I had the privilege of participating as science advisor.

"That it was not is due to the fact that like the Vatican and North American fundamentalists, our Communion is too greatly influenced by outmoded attitudes of the Old Testament rather than embracing the ethics which were part of Jesus' revelation for all aspects of our life.

"The particular case of sexuality is unambiguous: '... in Christ there is neither bond nor free, male nor female....'"

John Coleman

Kingston, Ont.