Anglican Church leaders are discussing the always-controversial issue of blessing same-sex marriages in Ottawa this weekend.
Bishop John Chapman plans to meet the Canadian House of Bishops next week and discuss designating one Ottawa parish to bless same-sex couples already married in civil ceremonies.
"It will be a cautious, slow beginning," he told CTV Ottawa. "it takes time, (and) we move slowly."
Several church leaders support the idea, including Rev. Kathryn Otley.
"It's a way that moves us forward, that gives us more experience in our tradition," she said. "And we base our decisions on scripture, reason and tradition, and so I think it's important we have a new tradition that (looks) forward."
But the issue has caused a rift within the Ottawa Diocese, mirroring the Anglican conflict worldwide.
Two Ottawa parishes have already separated from the Anglican Church of Canada.
"This is an occasion of grief, that we haven't been able to move ahead together," said church member Bill Prentice. "That's one of the realities we have to accept."
Yet conversations and negotiations to bridge the same-sex divide are continuing, Prentice added.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
