Saying they are aiming to answer claims that a revised set of Episcopal Church disciplinary canons set to go into effect July 1 are unconstitutional, several of framers of the changes to Title IV have issued a paper which they assert “conclusively establishes the constitutionality of the amendments.”
The statement, posted here, was written by Duncan Bayne, Diocese of Olympia vice chancellor; Stephen Hutchinson, Diocese of Utah chancellor and Joseph Delafield, Diocese of Maine chancellor. Delafield, the spokesperson, said that all three were “active participants in the nine-year process of development and adoption of the amendments.”
It really makes no difference. The same people who passed them also determine their constitutionality. The same people who also creatively interpret Scripture.
I’m glad to see this getting some press with ENS. When I brought up my concerns about Title IV at my diocesan convention a few weeks ago, very few people knew that other dioceses had challenged the revisions.
If one offers a change in the Constitution and Canons of the EC, let it be done in a clear fashion. The changes to Title IV passed as too much legislation is in the secular world and the Catholic Church should lead by example. There is no doubt that the Presiding Bishop was to preside over GC, Executive Council, and the HOB. In 1997, the title “Primate” was added to the title of Presiding Bishop in order to show respect to the role of leadership the PB has in the AC, but the PB of the EC never had primatial authority just title. The changes to Title IV remove due process give the PB unprecedented and primatial authority over the discipline of sitting diocesan bishops and bishops unprecedented authority over diocesan clergy. This is serious change in our Episcopal Polity and makes the PB a primate where none never existed before.
This recent counter only came days before SC’s most recent Diocesan Convention. The timing at least is suspect and the arguments it makes are countered in the ACI document “Title IV Unmasked”. I suggest one read them side by side.
This is politics. Sadly, politics is alive and well in the EC. We have deferred to a democratic process and control by leaders in the EC who do not represent their churches or their people. They are free to vote their faith and conscience and promote whatever agenda they so chose. Reasserters or Traditionalists bishops, clergy, and laity are no longer welcomed unless they capitulate to this new leadership and bow down to the demanded changes in our Anglican Tradition and Christian Faith. This attitude is considered prejudice and bias by the leadership of the EC and the so called talking points make this clear.
This paper is worth the read but it is not a successful counter to the original document that has been out there for months.
Certainly, the PB and some Bishops want this enhance power and authority. Sadly, it can be used unjustly against any bishop for simply taking a valid stand on matters of faith and doctrine that are contrary to the current leadership of the EC. Unity is upheld at all cost to Biblical and Theological Truth. Whether you are a theological liberal or theological conservative due process has been undone. Whether you are a reasserter or reappraiser, due process has been undone. This is bad for everyone on all sides.
Those diocese who have already embraced this changes have done their bishop and clergy a disservice.
Lord have mercy….
The amusing thing about the article on ENS is that the link through to the actual paper is broken. If you were going to get one thing right, you would think it would be getting that link on.
Link worked for me.
Br. Michael, it’s a familial trait to make the rules and decide their constitutional status. Bishop Stephen Bayne, Duncan’s father, was a friend of James Pike and also the one who famously decided there was no such thing as heresy in PECUSA. He learned it at home.
After living with the illusion of Episcopal canons at work in the Diocese of San Joaquin GC could pass the Moon is made out of Blue Cheese Canon and not only believe it but interpret that as truth living into their baptismal covenant.
Thankfully there is Bishop Mark Lawrence.
Intercessor
#5 the link didn’t work for a while after the article was published. I tried to contact ens and failed but I am glad it is now fixed.