The resolution acknowledges a pastoral response is called for in light of changing circumstances in the United States and abroad and in areas that permit marriage, civil unions and/or domestic partnerships involving same-sex couples.
While a substantial majority at the convention believed the Episcopal Church should move forward on matters of sexuality, Jacobus is a member of the minority. A statement was drafted that reaffirmed the minority group’s stance as members of the Anglican Communion and commitment to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ. The group also reaffirmed its commitment not to ordain bishops in committed same-gender relationships, offer same gender blessings or enter into one another’s diocese to do so.
“We’re continuing to take small steps forward to be inclusive of all people, but this wasn’t a big deal like many hoped it would be,” [Bishop Russell] Jacobus said of the convention. “I think if it would have been, it might have divided the church.”
This is a joke, right?
Yes, Alice, and of the absolutely best kind: Unintentional. I had a really good chuckle reading Jacobus’ slippery evasions.
From the start, Communion Partners’ entire approach has been to be as non-threatening, non-confrontational, and passive as possible in the face of an incredible proliferation of heresy and apostacy (The timing of the Anaheim Statement is clear evidence of that. If their principal commitment had been to stand-up for Christ and the orthodox faith, why not issue such a statement prior to General Convention, or give a press conference during the Convention to express their concern about the direction it was going in?) From the beginning, they have put no pressure whatsoever on the denominational establishment. Should we be surprised then, that one of its number, as creedally-orthodox and traditional as he has been, ultimately makes it his job to simply repeat the spin of those who are desperate to preserve the international status of the denomination? When you have made it your vocation to be as nice to the wolves as possible, you are bound to try to make them happy when you seen them begin to falter.