Finally, after much prayer and consultation, I have decided that the time has come for Southern Ohio to adjust its policy regarding the blessing of same-sex unions. As you all know, in the forums that preceded my election as your diocesan bishop, I was very clear that I thought the church should bless the godly, faithful and life-long union of two persons of the same sex. Moreover, my views on this matter have been expressed in two published books. So my own views will not be a surprise to anyone. At the same time, as I also stated in the forums, I do not wish to act in isolation from the Episcopal Church. So since I became a bishop I have upheld the policy I inherited, which did not permit the blessing of same-sex unions under any circumstances. It is my view that the recent General Convention resolutions D025 and C056 have altered the terrain, by reasserting the possibility of godly unions between persons of the same sex, and by inviting bishops who have jurisdiction in states that have offered some form of civil union to gay and lesbian couples to exercise “pastoral generosity” in offering the church’s public ministrations to such couples. In so doing, the Episcopal Church has effectively acknowledged that the godly union of two persons of the same sex ”“ by which I mean the union of two persons who have vowed lifelong fidelity to one another, and accept accountability to the faith community as a faithful household ”“ can be blessed by the church. I am convinced that in fairness to our fellow Episcopalians who have entered into such unions or who desire to do so, we must move deliberately toward the implementation of a policy that will permit and govern the blessings of such unions in Southern Ohio. On this basis, I am lifting the prohibition on the blessing of same-sex unions in this diocese, effective Easter 2010.
I am aware that there are some in this diocese who will be unhappy with this change in policy, and that there are clergy who cannot in good conscience officiate at such blessings. It is important to underscore that no priest within the Diocese will be under any obligation ”“ now or at any time ”“ to perform such blessings, and the position of those who wish not to perform any such blessings will be respected and honored. I wish to do whatever I can to allay any fears on this score.
Although it will take some time to work out all the details of this policy, here are a few parameters which I will be imposing from the outset. No blessing of a same-sex union shall occur without my written permission. I will consider each request individually and will require 60 days notice in each case. I expect that at least one of the two persons seeking a blessing within this church will be a confirmed or received Episcopalian in good standing, and that adequate counseling with the officiating priest (or an agreed-upon substitute) will be required prior to the blessing. I acknowledge that these requirements may seem discriminatory to some. They are however necessary at the present time, in order that I may exercise pastoral oversight as we venture into this new territory for the diocese. Similarly, I will be expecting parish priests who wish to perform such blessings to engage in significant conversation with the congregation or congregations they serve before they move in this direction. In asking for this, I do not intend in any way to suggest that the appropriate exercise of the priesthood is subject to any other oversight than that of the bishop’s, but to ensure this policy be a matter of open conversation, and that all local voices be heard.
No surprise here.
Wait a cotton pickin minute here…that is not what Mrs. Schori or Mrs. Anderson said after GC 2009! They said nothing has changed and even told Rowan Williams such…directly! In fact i believe they said the following:
So I guess that the only question left is which one is lying?
Intercessor
Bless his heart, Tom is such a sweet guy. What else would he do, circumstances being what they are?
Hey, don’t you get deposed and sent away for abandonment of communion if you don’t agree with the PRES HoD and PB? This “undestanding” contradicts ’em both. And they are on record to the ABC about it, too, IIRC.
When’s his letter gonn get there, ya think?
I wonder how the Bishop Suffragan of Southern Ohio and Provisional Bishop of Pittsburgh (TEC), Ken Price, thinks about the latest development? Methinks he’ll be silent on this one.
This is HUGE news for the people of the diocese of Southern Ohio and for all who worked so hard to craft and then pass resolutions D025 & C056 in Anaheim. See also: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.
[blockquote]It is my view that the recent General Convention resolutions D025 and C056 have altered the terrain, [b]by reasserting[/b] the possibility of godly unions between persons of the same sex,[/blockquote]
[i]Reasserting?[/i] Really? Rank revisionism is more like it!
Good for the bishop and people of Southern Ohio. I like what the bishop has put in place as far as compliance is concerned. May many be blessed by his actions.
#6 Well, Susan, the same could be said, whose effects are still felt 2 millenia later around the world rather than only in a shrinking diocese in a shrinking organization that has denied and forsaken its founding principles and reason for being, of a dozen uneducated working-class men committed to their leader, thoughtful of the cost. Enjoy what you see as a triumph with your like-minded circle. Just do not be too surprised when even the larger secular society, even in Maine, as well as in your own state, and 29 other states, disagree with you when they are allowed to make their opinion known of the merits of your cause. Be still less surprised when people in buildings that have a cross on top and some inside and who remember who bled and died on it for my sins and yours and who rose again and leaves no one who honestly encounters Him unchanged, uncleansed, untransformed disagree with you as well. You really should get out (no pun intended) more, Susan.