(This just passed by majority vote–KSH).
Resolution: Proposed Anglican Covenant
Be it resolved, that the 218th Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina express its support for the development of an Anglican Covenant, as a means of encouraging dioceses and provinces of the Anglican Communion to practice a responsible autonomy and inter-provincial accountability, for the mutual enrichment of our common life in Jesus Christ through the abiding fellowship of the Holy Spirit and through the bonds of affection; and
Be it further resolved, that this, the Diocese of South Carolina, encourages The Episcopal Church (TEC) to embrace this Covenant process, even if the process necessitates restraint in the area of human sexuality, and urges that the various dioceses of TEC demonstrate responsible autonomy in their common life and practice towards the various dioceses and provinces of the Communion in this regard; and
Be it further resolved, that this convention respectfully requests the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Primates, and the Anglican Consultative Council to allow dioceses lying within provinces which may chose not to abide by such a Covenant to sign their support of such a covenant, and be recognized as full members of the Communion; and
Be it further resolved, that as the Diocese of South Carolina did choose at its Diocesan Convention in 1785, to organize as a diocese, (one of the first seven dioceses in these United States to so organize in that year), and to send delegates to the first General Conventions to organize the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, and thereby freely associate its clerical and lay members with the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society””presently known as TEC; so this same Diocese does also assert its authority to freely embrace such a Covenant in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and to seek to remain a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, should the Instruments of Unity allow such diocesan association
Submitted by the Standing Committee and the Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina
This resolution is guaranteed to put the Bishop of South Carolina, his Standing Committee, and the resolution’s supporters [i]squarely[/i] in Schori’s sights, and if it passes, the results will be predictable.
Is the convention at Ft. Sumter this year?
Hope they stand firm and do not budge on this!
Go, SC, Go!
Thank you SC for your faithfulness.
Puzzling that it was not an overwhelming majority, such as was the resolution on the uniqueness of Christ.
The primary complaint seemed to be that the statement was not strong enough. I agree that it is not strong enough, but it is a start so I voted for it.
Montanan,
My husband was there as delegate from our parish. All the resolutions were passed or not passed by voice vote. So tough to distinguish between majority and overwhelming majority. What difference does it really make? The only resolution that was rather difficult to assess was the one that required a vote by orders. The decision as to whether it really passed or failed by majority voice vote was mentioned by a delegate. The bishop told them if they did not agree, they could challenge the decision if they wanted.
Alas, there are dioceses where this resolution could have caused a real controversy. At least we are in agreement.
Oddly enough, electronic voting devices were used in the morning session for elections for various offices,etc. They would have been very useful for the afternoon session as well for the resolutions.
Please remember this is what my husband told me so I hope I am accurately representing his thoughts.