So what, exactly, did the Bishops do today (July 9), besides “pass” a piece of paper labeled “Resolution A049”?
Did they amend the Book of Common Prayer?
They did not.
Did they approve an alternative to the BCP for trial use on a Church-wide basis?
They did not””the proponents of A049 knew they did not have the votes to do that.
Instead, at the last minute, they carefully reworded their Resolution to take out the word “trial [use]” wherever it appeared, and put the word “provisional” in its place. In this way, the rudderless Bishops apparently believed they were not opening up a route to amending the Book of Common Prayer, by triggering the requirement of the need for a supermajority under Article X of the Constitution (as discussed in this post).
But did they approve, then, an experimental rite for “special occasions” and for use only with the permission of a bishop, as discussed in this earlier post?
No, they did not manage to do that, either….
…And the words that are used
For to get the ship confused
Will not be understood as they’re spoken…
-Bob Dylan
No. 1,
I am more inclined to quote from the Grateful Dead:
Riding that train, high on cocaine…trouble ahead, trouble behind…watch your speed.
You don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows.
I wonder what or whether Canon Law can be taught anymore. Certainly, the classic interpretation of the Canons of TEC are useless. And it should be important to include the civil courts interpretation of certain canons (having to do with property) and perhaps that some of the canons are little more than suggestions (those having to do with doctrine and worship) while others must be observed (on property, etc.)