Anglican Diocese's Approval of Same-Sex Blessings
Causes Rift with Roman Catholics

The diocese of Niagara's approval of same-sex blessings during its November synod has caused a rupture in its relationship with local Roman Catholics. The Roman Catholic diocese of Hamilton has decided not to take part in the renewal of baptismal vows with Anglicans and Lutherans during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18 to 25, 2005, expressing concern over the diocese's approval of a motion allowing the blessing of gay couples.

For the last four years Anglicans, Lutherans and Roman Catholics had gathered for a renewal of baptismal vows - Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic (LARC) celebration of our common baptism. D. Ralph Spence, Bishop for the Anglican Diocese of Niagara and Michael Pryse, Bishop for the ELCIC's Eastern Synod, issued a joint statement on December 7, 2004 regarding the decision by the Roman Catholic diocese of Hamilton.