(Please note that the ENS accounts for the two first days are here and there).
Bishop Tom Ely of the Diocese of Vermont presented a meditation on “What is God up to in our midst concerning same-sex blessings.” Noting Vermont was the first state to recognize civil unions, an event that happened prior to his consecration, he never knew a time as bishop when blessings were not permitted. Not all were comfortable but the diocese has maintained mutual respect, education and pastoral care. “If we live in the spirit, let us walk in the spirit,” he cited.
Bishop John Bauerschmidt of the Diocese of Tennessee pointed out that Nashville is sometimes called “the buckle in the bible belt.” Nonetheless, the diocese is comprised of a diverse population, with support as well as concern about same-sex blessings. In Tennessee there is awareness that no consensus is apparent in society. Most pressing to most people in Diocese of Tennessee, he said, is the need to remain together in common life in the midst of difference, realizing it will be hard work, “but the commitment is made.”
The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, chair of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, spoke of [General Convention Resolution] C056, which directs SCLM to consult with the HOB as it collects and develops resources for same-sex blessings. A report on resources gathered will be presented at General Convention 2012. SCLM is working on four areas: Theological resources; Liturgical resources; Pastoral and Teaching resources; and Canonical and Legal considerations.
“Bishops Stacy Sauls of Lexington and Ed Little of Northern Indiana reported on a program for creating “safe space” for theological minorities in the church.”
Somehow I’m not convinced nor comforted by that.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us walk by the Spirit,” may not mean what the good bishop from Vermont thinks it means.
Nothing like being coached by the bishop of one of the most progressive and yet failing dioceses in all of TEC. The fact is, +Ely’s and TEC’s innovations are not selling even in a Liberal State like Vermont.
My apology for not backing my comment with facts.
The Diocese of Vermont (covers the whole State) has a ASA of under 2,000 and has been in decline since 2001. St. Paul’s Cathedral in Burlington, also in decline for years, has an ASA of around 175 worshiping in a cement monster of a building capable of seating well over 1,000. (TEC Stats).
Another TEC get together, more Alice in Wonderland quotes.
Not only that Albiet, but his career in Vermont has been an absolute disaster. One third of his parishes are looking for clergy replacements. Most are described as “part time or very part time.” The Mountain Echo, the diocesan newspaper, where rarely do you see the words “Jesus” or “God”, a once monthly publication has been reduced to four times a year. His staff has been drastically cut. Membership, average attendance and giving are now at or near the bottom of Province 1. His agenda from day one has focused on three areas: anti-racism, (in a state where minorities of any kind are less than one percent of the population,) the elimination of styrofoam cups and the gay agenda. He is quite possibly the most secular humanist in the HOB.
Here’s the Mission Statement for St. Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington (Ever hear of “where’s Waldo?”, let’s play “Where’s Jesus?”):
[blockquote]Our Mission – St. Paul’s Cathedral will be an outward, activist community of Christian faith, a sign of God’s breathtaking generosity. This Cathedral will be a place of sanctuary, healing, inclusion, challenge and compassion. We will be a soul-inspiring, mind-stretching, heart-healing center of unconditional surrender to the freedom of God, a place of courageous hope and extravagant hospitality.[/blockquote]
Sort of speaks for itself (and for +Ely & his Diocese), wouldn’t you say?
It’s a bit late for +Sauls to be talking about a ‘safe space’ for teological minorities in TEC, I’m afraid…..a day late and a dollar short, as the saying goes.
I’m just glad it’s the traditionalists that are so preoccupied with sex . . . otherwise, this HOB might never get any real work done.
How can one read that and not shudder? Are the people who write this pap tone deaf? This is English? This is like a Twinkie, all sugar and no nutrition. Larry