For Immediate Release

Church of the Holy Trinity Called to Bless Same-Sex Marriages

TORONTO-June 17, 2007 - On the eve of a national meeting of the
Anglican Church of Canada (General Synod) in which the blessing of
same-sex unions is to be debated, the Church of the Holy Trinity, an
Anglican Church in downtown Toronto , pledges to bless same-sex unions
regardless of the outcome.

In a special meeting of the congregation, members declared this issue
to be a matter of love, justice and ultimately conscience. "Providing
an equal pastoral response to same-sex couples who present themselves
for blessing or marriage as to couples of the opposite sex is a matter
of conscience and integrity for the clergy and people of the Church of
the Holy Trinity in Toronto", the statement says.

In taking this step, the congregation affirmed their intention of
remaining in the Anglican Church of Canada and the worldwide Anglican
communion. "We are sincerely hoping that General Synod will recognize
the sanctity and equality of same-sex relationships. But if they do
not, we must do what we are called in conscience to do. It is not our
intention to leave, but to stay in our Church and have our act of
conscience respected", says Jim Love, Warden at Holy Trinity.

The Church of the Holy Trinity has long been a leader on social
justice issues, including solidarity with gay and lesbian people. In
addition to this public statement, the church has sent an open letter
to the Canadian House of Bishops, and a message to all General Synod
delegates asking them to move forward in justice. "We simply can't
wait any longer, and continue to call ourselves a people serving a God
of justice and love", says The Reverend Sara Boyles, Incumbent at the
Church of the Holy Trinity.

General Synod 2007 of the Anglican Church of Canada begins June 19th
in Winnipeg .

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