St. Clare in the Cove, North Vancouver

St. Clare-in-the-Cove, North Vancouver, is now the third parish to vote recently to begin offering blessings of same-sex unions as soon as it is given permission to do so by Bishop Michael Ingham.

The Anglican Church of St Clare-in-the-Cove on March 16 voted unanimously to ask to be allowed to offer same-sex blessings. The Rev. Carla McGhie, rector, said that the desire to offer same-sex blessings arises from the church's identity as a fully inclusive community, a place where all are given welcome and recognition.

St. Mary's Kerrisdale and Holy Spirit, Whonnock, have also requested to be made places of blessing. Bishop Ingham has not indicated when he might grant the request. Currently eight of the diocese's 77 parishes are authorized to bless gay and lesbian couples.

Also at St. Clare's, a Deep Cove Community Philosophers Café was held in March. Twenty-three people sat in a circle and explored the topic of restorative justice and its life-changing possibilities.

St. Clare-in-the-Cove plans to offer two Philosophers Café events per year.