Anglican Canadians discuss same-sex blessings

The head of Canada’s Anglican Church appealed earlier this month to hundreds of bishops, priests and lay people to not let the thorny issue of same-sex unions further divide the church or take on the rancor of the past.

The Rev. Fred Hiltz, the primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said June 4 at the opening of the General Synod that he hopes the meeting will produce a pastoral statement on the issue that could lay out the church’s position on same-sex blessings.

“I know our deliberations on these matters will be watched by many within Canada and around the world. I hope they see no evidence of rejection, condemnation or demonization but every evidence of respect, charity and patience,” he said at the triennial gathering in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Bitter debates about whether to bless the relationships of same-sex couples has led to strained relations within the church, and the defection of dozens of theologically conservative congregations around the world.

The 80-million member Anglican Communion, Christianity’s third largest denomination, traces its roots to the Church of England. Most of the world’s Anglicans are theological conservatives who believe gay relationships violate Scripture. More liberal Anglicans emphasize social justice teachings in the Bible, leading them to support full acceptance of same-sex couples.

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AIDS groups protest FIFA ban policy

AIDS awareness groups June 5 protested a ban by the world soccer body FIFA on distributing health-related information and condoms at World Cup stadiums and fan events.

An alliance of 10 leading South African HIV/AIDS organizations said FIFA has not permitted civic groups to set up booths and small “wellness centers” at FIFA-controlled venues.

Mark Heywood, a spokesman for the alliance, said the tournament was an unprecedented chance to bring awareness to millions during festivities likely to make fans “behave in a way that will place them at greater risk of infection.”

But FIFA said in a statement that it launched its own HIV campaign with host city authorities by encouraging them to install “fan service areas” through July 11.

Annie Lennox named UNAIDS goodwill ambassador

Scottish rock singer Annie Lennox has become a spokesperson for the United Nations agency fighting HIV/AIDS.

As UNAIDS goodwill ambassador, she pledged to address the “daily brutality faced by millions of women and girls” suffering from the disease.

The 55-year-old musician achieved fame with The Eurythmics, whose “Sweet Dreams” reached No. 1 in the United States in 1983.

Lennox said: “If we are to end the cycle of human devastation triggered by the AIDS epidemic, we must address the rights of women and girls and challenge their second-class citizen status, which puts them at greater risk of HIV.”

Malawi president pardons couple

In late May, Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika in late May issued an unconditional pardon for Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza.

A May 31 statement from the White House May 31 read, “The White House is pleased to learn of President Bingu wa Mutharika’s pardon of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. These individuals were not criminals and their struggle is not unique. We must all recommit ourselves to ending the persecution and criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity. We hope that President Mutharika’s pardon marks the beginning of a new dialogue, which reflects the country’s history of tolerance and a new day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Malawi and around the globe.”

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