P.E.I. gay community applauds Anglican same-sex marriage vote

The gay community on P.E.I. is applauding the Anglican Church of Canada's decision to perform same-sex marriages.

"A lot of people in our community do have a faith that they belong to, and they feel like it helps them to be able to recognize intheir faith, that they are legally married," said Tyler Murnaghan of Pride PEI.

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Murnaghan said it's the latest example of the church reaching out to the LBGTcommunity.

"There's been a lot of excitement especially this past year we've had a lot, even the Island's church community has become very supportive," he said.

Murnaghan pointed to the candlelight service Trinity United held following the mass shootings in Orlando.

"When Trinity United became an affirmed church, I've seen a lot of people from our community go to events there and start attending it as a regular church service," he said.

Rev. John Clarke, the rector of St. Paul's Anglican Church and archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, said he was pleased with the vote to allow same sex-marriages, but acknowledges about 30 per cent were opposed.

'Contentious issue'

"This was a contentious issue," he said.

"We certainly want to be welcoming of the gay, lesbian, transgender communityfor sure. And people who disagree with the stance that the church is in the process of taking should feel welcome here as well."

He said Anglicans don't have to be in agreement over everything in order to be a welcoming community.

"Here on P.E.I. we have the benefit of a number of Anglican churches with their own characteristics and I think people will be able to find places where they can find like-minded people and some love and care amongst that kind of community."

Murnaghan, meanwhile, said despite the opposition, the result is still a step forward.

"I'll take a victory regardless of the margin but it does show we have some work left to do," he said.

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