June 27, 2008
Around Nunavut
Arctic Anglicans embrace tradition
Anglicans of the Arctic continued along their conservative, traditionalist path during their recent synod, held in Iqaluit from May 27 to June 3.
After the meeting, which drew Anglicans from across Canada's North, the diocese expressed in a press release its "great disappointment" that Anglicans elsewhere in Canada continue to bless same-sex marriages, prior to the matter being discussed at the Lambeth conference in Canterbury, England, this July.
The question of whether Anglicans should bless same-sex marriages has badly divided the Anglican church in Canada, and around the world.
The Arctic diocese expressed its "strong support" for other conservatives who oppose same-sex blessings, and warned those who continue to bless same-sex marriages "are not serious about unity elements that hold the church together."
Speakers at the Iqaluit synod included a member of the Zacchaeus Fellowship, a group that believes that homosexuality is a disease that can be cured. Several others spoke about the importance of traditional marriage.
In 2005, the diocese of the Arctic adopted a human resource policy that prohibits the hiring of gay clergy and lay people, including anyone who "supports and promotes such behavior, lifestyle or teaching."
The rule lists "homosexuals, lesbians and bisexuals," along with anyone having pre-marital sex and those who engage in sex with minors.
NAM rejects Angel Street
Elisapee Sheutiapik, the mayor of Iqaluit and president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, says she remains "very disappointed" that one resolution she put forward at NAM's recent annual general meeting was defeated.
The proposed resolution called upon Nunavut's communities to follow Iqaluit's lead in naming a thoroughfare Angel Street after a song by Nunavut rock star Lucie Idlout, which depicts the struggle of a young, abused woman who has nowhere to turn.
Sheutiapik said the resolution was important because it would have drawn further attention to the high rates of violence that women face in Nunavut.
"I'm a strong believer in reminding people there are groups and people out there to help out," she said.
But Paul Quassa, vice-president of NAM and mayor of Igloolik, disagreed, and succeeded in having the proposed resolution deleted.
He objected that many smaller communities have not yet named their streets. And, when streets are named, he said it is important they be in Inuktitut.
