Fred Hiltz, the bishop for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, won on the fifth ballot at the church’s General Synod, a meeting of Anglican leaders being held in Winnipeg.

Hiltz eked out the win over Victoria Matthews, an Edmonton bishop who would otherwise have become the church’s first female leader. CBC

Saturday, the Canadians  will vote on whether or not priests will be permitted to bless same sex unions. This debate has gone on in the church for over 20 years and must be resolved this Synod. According to VirtueOnline:

“No scenario could emerge” from this week’s Anglican General Synod that would lead to the Archbishop of Canterbury expelling the Canadian church from the 76-million-member global Anglican denomination, says Kenneth Kearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion.

The right-hand man to Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said in a face-to-face Thursday interview:

There’s no question the Anglican Church of Canada is a valued member of the Anglican communion. There’s never been a scenario considered that would lead to the exclusion of the Anglican Church of Canada.”

Vancouver (New Westminister) Bishop Micheal Ingram has extended blessings since 2002. 

Synod on Demand

Update: Saturday the same sex blessing vote was carried over to Sunday. 16 delegates still had to speak. The vote was held Sunday From The Anglican Church of Canada:

Winnipeg, June 24, 2007 — Members of the Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod in Winnipeg  agreed Sunday that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the church’s core doctrine, in the sense of being credal.

Debate resumed Sunday morning after being suspended late Saturday.

The motion carried reads: “That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine (in the sense of being credal) of the Anglican Church of Canada.

The motion was carried by a vote of 152 for, 97 against in the house of clergy and laity and by a vote of 21 for and 19 against in the house of bishops.

Canadian Anglicans priests will not be blessing same sex unions.
Felix Homininum was there.