Twenty years ago, Terence Finlay was Anglican Archbishop of the Diocese of Toronto. James Ferry was a priest at St. Philip’s Church in Unionville. Ferry is gay and at that time was in a relationship with a man named Ahmad. When some parishioners found out about the relationship Ferry approached the archbishop and he in turn censured Ferry and effectively banned him from service in the church. This decision in 1992 altered the course of Ferry's life, ending his vocation, leaving him without a livelihood, and temporarily ending the relationship with Ahmad, although they eventually got back together.
Terence Finlay changed his mind. He came to different conclusions about homosexuality and eventually performed a same-gender marriage even though this wasn't sanctioned by the Anglican church.
Today Finlay and Ferry will participate in a service of reconciliation, and obviously they have both agreed to be involved. I am deeply impressed by Jim Ferry's willingness to forgive. I give credit to Finlay for both his change of heart and the desire to make amends in a symbolic way. Obviously today's service won't make everything better, but it is a conscious and public choice to forgive, reconcile, move forward.
Many of us have changed our outlooks through the years, wondering why we held such entrenched views "back then." I know that many more are still pondering and discerning.
What are your thoughts on this story? Has your outlook changed over time?
3 comments:
I think Finaly's desire to demonstrate his change of heart in a symbolic way is a good thing. It takes courage to admit you were wrong. As for the public aspect of it, well, I wish this happened more often. It would give courage to those who know better now but have been reticent to voice their own change of heart.
I agree Lori. Three hundred people attnded the service yesterday and this morning the two men were interviewed on CBC radio. That's a strongly public and courageous witness on the part of both of them.
Brilliant. Simply brilliant.
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