Both resolutions were adopted against the wishes of the Anglican Church of England, which is associated with the Episcopal Church.
“Our resolution simply says a person’s sexual orientation is not a barrier to ordination,” [Gay] Jennings said in an interview last week. “There’s nothing in our church’s constitution or canon law that prevents a partnered gay or lesbian person from being elected to bishop.”
Jennings chaired a committee that drafted the resolution, while [Bishop Mark] Hollingsworth – working with another bishop – offered an amendment that helped to appease some bishops who had opposed it.
The amendment essentially recognizes that not everyone in the church agrees on ordaining gay clergy, but notes that God already has called gay people to ordained ministries in various Episcopal churches and may call them again.
“We are not all of one mind,” said Hollingsworth. “But each of us carries a piece of the truth and when we bring those pieces together it helps to discern what God’s truth is in our time.
“I don’t believe God is asking us to reconcile our differences, but to be reconciled as people.”
[blockquote]”We are not all of one mind,” said Hollingsworth. “But each of us carries a piece of the truth and when we bring those pieces together it helps to discern what God’s truth is in our time.
“I don’t believe God is asking us to reconcile our differences, but to be reconciled as people.”[/blockquote]
What claptrap.
“There’s nothing in our church’s constitution or canon law that prevents a partnered gay or lesbian person from being elected to bishop.”
That’s it, right there. If TEC didn’t have actively gay and lesbian deacons and priests, it wouldn’t be having this problem about bishops.
[blockquote]“There’s nothing in our church’s constitution or canon law that prevents a partnered gay or lesbian person from being elected to bishop.â€
That’s it, right there. If TEC didn’t have actively gay and lesbian deacons and priests, it wouldn’t be having this problem about bishops.
[/blockquote]
Actually, there are provisions in TEC’s constitution & canon law that prevents a partnered gay or lesbian person from being elected to bishop. It’s just that a segment of the leadership have chosen for years to ignore those provisions. You will find them in the Book of Common Prayer.
1. A partnered gay/lesbian cannot honestly make the required vows to become a deacon; if a deacon becomes a partnered gay/lesbian (s)he has violated those vows. Specifically:
[blockquote][i]The Bishop says to the ordinand[/i]
Will you be loyal to the [b]doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them[/b]? And will you, in accordance with the canons of this Church, obey your bishop and other ministers who may have authority over you and your work?
[i]Answer[/i]
I am willing and ready to do so; and I solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church. (p. 538, emphasis added)[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Bishop
Will you do your best to pattern your life [and that of your family, or household, or community] in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to all people?
Answer
I will. (p. 544)[/blockquote]
2. A partnered gay/lesbian deacon cannot honestly make the required vows to become a priest; if a priest becomes a partnered gay/lesbian (s)he has violated those vows. Specifically:
[blockquote][i]The Bishop says to the ordinand[/i]
Will you be loyal to the [b]doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them[/b]? And will you, in accordance with the canons of this Church, obey your bishop and other ministers who may have authority over you and your work?
[i]Answer[/i]
I am willing and ready to do so; and I solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church. (p. 526, emphasis added)[/blockquote]
[blockquote][i]Bishop[/i]
Will you do your best to pattern your life [and that of your family, or household, or community] in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
[i]Answer[/i]
I will.[/blockquote]
I would point out that in both cases, the vow is to “be loyal to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church [b]has received them[/b]”. Not as TEC has decided to change them. There cannot be any doubt that the doctrine and discipline of Christ that “this Church” [b]has received[/b] is that sexual relationships are appropriate for Christians only within the context of the marriage of a man and a woman. TEC wants to change that; but that is what [b]has been received[/b] — it’s a done deal!