Hello . . .

[FrankieLad]

I've just joined this forum. I'm a 60-year old retired college professor living in Canada. I'm married to my partner of 31 years, a retired Canadian and International diplomat; he is 70. As you may know, here in Canada same-sex marriage is legal in all our provinces and territories. We were married on our 30th anniversary.

When our courts ruled, in 2003, that prohibiting same-sex marriage was a violation of our Rights and Freedom, we didn't think it necessary to formalize our relationship. When our Federal Government amended the Marriage Act in 2005, making it " . . . union between two people" instead of the archaic " . . . union between one man and one woman", we thought, "Why not!" Besides, we needed an excuse for another party!! We had 281 of our closest and dearest (57 family members between us) friends and loved one in attendance.

My partner and I are Anglicans (Episcopalians) and the Anglican Church of Canada, on June 25 at its General Synod (Convention) came very close to voting in favour of the blessing of same-sex unions. It's not marriage, but close. Now, we're in ongoing discussions and study sessions for the next General Synod in 2010 at which time, hopefully, addtional discussion to revise the Marriage Canon will take place and, perhaps, marriage will be available to all Anglicans in Canada.

Why are we Anglicans? One, because we attend a incredible parish . . . an affirming and welcoming church, that is one of only 4 in our city that has publicly declared itself as such. We stay because we are welcomed and cherished by our church community. We belong to our local chapter of Integrity Canada and are active in its ministry.

I am a diabetic and last year had my left leg amputated due to complications from diabetes. I am adjusting very well to my prosthesis. Life is great and there is much to do beforfe I say "goodbye"!! No time to wallow is sorrow or self-pity.

I am looking forward to hearing from many in this forum!

Cheers,
Frank

[BrentRichards]

Welcome! Great to have you with us! I so value the input of people who have "made it work" contrary to what all the nay-sayers believe about us.

You'll find some fellow Anglicans roaming around here ... I am not currently Anglican, but may end up there one day, because of my love of the liturgy as well as their much more affirming attitude!

[wmanion]

Welcome to Soulforce and what a wondeful story you have to share. I will be looking forward to your posts and comments in the forums.

Bill

[d_pedr]

Hi Frankie

welcome to soulforce. Its good to know that there's a couple of your experience around. Its so encouraging.

It must be a challenge learning to walk again with a false leg. Hopefully, it makes you feel more indepent.

Well done on 31 years of marriage, even if it took the state 30 of them to catch up!

I was brought up in the anglican church, and whenever I've moved to a new town, I've always gathered with the anglicans first. there's such a great variety, around a common litergy.

love and hugs

[Zerbie]

Frankielad - what a lovely screenname! :)

Thank you for such an uplifting introduction. Inspiring.

I think this may mean that Daniel and his husband have to surrender their seniority as the longest-term gay couple in the group (they're at 15 years, or 16?) - - - 30 years, that's wonderful. Congratulations.

Come back, Lad, and chat some more.

[BenL]

FrankieLad,

Welcome to the Soulforce forums. I'm one of those Anglicans knocking around here. We've discussed, among other things, the conservative movement in the Anglican Communion and the Primates' ultimatum to the ECUSA which has a deadline of September. I'm thankful for the support of the Canadians and Aussies in the Communion, and wonder how ++Rowan can roll over to the Africans ... or so it seems to me.

Charley and I belong to a wonderfully affirming parish also. Check it out at All Saints Church, Worcester (http://www.allsaintsw.org). We have a LGBT Alliance that meets once a month for Eucharist and social time. One of the Alliance members donated a rainbow flag, and the vestry agreed to hang it from the organ loft at the west end of the nave along with the others. Pretty cool.

Check out the thread on Inclusive Orthodoxy in the GLBT News forum.

[Daniel]

I think this may mean that Daniel and his husband have to surrender their seniority as the longest-term gay couple in the group (they're at 15 years, or 16?) - - - 30 years, that's wonderful. Congratulations.


Gladly!

It's wonderful to have you here Frank! Wow! 30 years....that's something! Hubby and I are halfway there. We were married in Toronto the day Canada extended marriage to the rest of the country- June 28th, 2005. Two other Soulforce couples have also journeyed north to be married.

We love your country- and not just because of marriage rights. You have so much to teach your neighbors south of the border. Health care for instance.

I've sung in Angican churches my whole life, and hubby is an organist at St. James in the Bronx- the 'Tiffany' church.

http://stjamesf.dioceseny.org/

Your outlook on life is an inspiration.

Welcome!

[paul]

Welcome Frank,
Wonderful to have you here, I look forward to getting to know you.
paul

[Jennifer5]

Welcome!!! Glad to have you here!

Join in on some conversations as soon as you feel comfortable! :)