Six months before General Convention, it is already clear that dioceses want the triennial gathering to tackle a range of issues including same-gender relationships, criteria for consenting to episcopal consecrations, the environment, the economy, financing theological education and liturgical change.
In the run-up to the convention, which will take place July 8-17 in Anaheim, Calif., two issues in the debate over homosexuality have seen the most reaction from diocesan conventions. One involves blessing same-gender relationships, especially in states that grant some legal status to those relationships. The other centers on consenting to the episcopal election of individuals “whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion,” as stated in Resolution B033 from the 2006 General Convention.
GenCon09 does not have to “revisit BO33”. This is how they will do it.
“…asking General Convention to affirm that ‘standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction are bound only by the rules set forth in the canons when considering consents to the ordination of any candidate to the episcopate.’ “
I am pretty sure that you are right, Dcn Dale. They are too weaselly to overturn it. They might also say that they won’t uphold provisions that violate their non-discrimination policies.
But we will have clarity. The liberal institutionalists can’t hold back the liberal ideologues. The tiny Integrity folks are in the driver’s seat. There will soon be more Gene Robinson’s.
In preparation, might I suggest the Communion Partners types start dropping the name Episcopalian? The moniker will become a point of shame for faithful Christians.
I’m confused. I had the impression that a Prayer Book revision was supposed to have 1st vote this year and the 2nd vote in 2012. I also had the impression that a draft was supposed to be sent out to GC delegates in January. Truth? What’s the story and who is controlling it?
All “moderates” and some institutionalists, take note: For years, there has been a complaint that the “conservatives” have been overly focused on the issue of sexuality, at the expense of what you might claim to be more important matters. The perception (or agenda) seems to have been to trivialize or marginalize those who have been pushing back on the political agenda of sexuality, by portraying us as misguided and fixated on the private behavior of others.
Well, here we go. The most prominent conservative elements have retired, resigned, redeployed, been deposed, or otherwise taken out of the picture. So, why oh why is homosexual political advocacy front and center on the agenda for GC09? Rest assured that Bps Duncan, Iker, Schofield et al are not behind the rush to reverse B033 and oppose the Communion’s received teaching. Need to find a new scapegoat.
It ought to be crystal clear that this is the institutional will of TEC. So the issue may become more focused for you now. It’s no longer a matter of asking the “dissident” conservatives to not make waves. You must decide what you believe, and you may be at your last opportunity to voice that decision. Either you support the push of the gay agenda, and support TEC; or you voice your objections to your rector, delegates, deanery, bishop, etc. and stand up against it… but now you must do so with only remote support from those who have already departed.
[Of course, I don’t address all moderates and all institutionalists. I don’t quarrel with those who have prayed the matter through and decided they’re called to remain in TEC. God bless them. My concern is with those who have been blaming the reasserters for rocking the boat and unmasking the agenda.]