A Tale of Two Doctrines: Marriage in the Diocese of Toronto

Abstract

As questions of human sexuality continue to divide the churches of the Anglican Communion, the Diocese of Toronto is unique in the way it holds together both a traditional doctrine of marriage along with a doctrine that is inclusive to LGBTQ couples. According to its Policy on Marriage, the Diocese holds “in creative tension two views of Holy Matrimony that are, at once, contradictory and yet legitimately supported and honoured by our bishops, clergy and laity.” In this paper then, I seek to provide some historical background to this position before offering some theological analysis of the tensions inherent within it. Ultimately, I argue permanently holding such “contradictory” teaching is untenable, but that it may be useful as a path for discernment.