As you are aware, both the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops passed by wide margins a resolution that gives Episcopal clergy the opportunity to offer an authorized liturgy for the blessing of same-sex unions (A049). The liturgy is entitled, “The Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant.” One can only preside using this liturgy with the permission of the Ecclesiastical Authority- in our case, the diocesan bishop. This liturgy also has the status of being only in “provisional” usage- meaning that it has no constitutional or canonical status. It is presently temporary.
While the title of the liturgy might indicate that something is happening other than a marriage service, the rite itself contains the same structure and components of the marriage rite found in the Book of Common Prayer: Scripture readings, vows, rings, a pronouncement, prayers and a blessing. Consequently, it is clear that such a service is a step towards redefining Christian marriage as clearly expressed both in the Scriptures and in the Book of Common Prayer. As such, I cannot endorse or extend permission for the use of this rite by the clergy under my care in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. As I wrote to the Diocese during the election process for bishop: I see nothing in the Scriptures or in our Anglican tradition that give me permission to expand or redefine the institution of marriage. The Scriptures and the Book of Common Prayer are clear that God established the bond and covenant of marriage; and it is my responsibility as a bishop to uphold and maintain what God has created.
This is a far weaker letter than Bp Stanton’s of Dallas and it bodes ill for Central Florida. He entitles it “a Pastoral letter”, but a shepherd does not sit back when one of his sheep falls into a hole and dismiss it by saying, maybe the hole is as appropriate as the pasture.
[blockquote] You will know that while new to this vocation, I do not write this letter unaware of the diversity in our Diocese. I know there are parishioners who are in same sex relationships. I know there are parishioners who wrestle with their same sex attractions and in response have chosen a life of celibacy. I know there are parishioners who have gay friends and family members, some of whom are in active relationships and some are not. In other words, while there is a strong evangelical center we in the Diocese of Central Florida are not of one mind about these matters. No matter what I write today, there will be those whom I will not please. Politics always creates winners and losers. The fact that we are not of one mind is something that I do not want to pass over too quickly. I bear a responsibility to serve as chief pastor to the entire diocese, not merely to those who may agree with me on this or any other concern. So, the responsibility of writing a pastoral letter is that I speak as a pastor- a responsibility that is also at the heart of my vocation as a bishop. [/blockquote]
In other words, “I have my opinion, other people have theirs. It is all just opinion. Let’s not fight over opinion.” This is a bishop?
Central Florida is lost. We have seen this play out in so many once conservative dioceses. This guy is in the “let’s all get along” category and the next bishop will be in the openly revisionist category.
Robroy, I don’t agree with your assessment of Bishop Brewer’s letter to his diocese. How is what +Brewer wrote and which I quote:
You can read into his letter capitulation to the left if you like. I don’t. I see this letter as a strong statement of his views while recognizing that not everyone in his diocese is going to agree with him and his decision.
+Brewer is 100% correct in writing:
The typical d____ed if you do, d____ed if you don’t situation. Robroy, at least he recognizes that he won’t please people such as yourself.
If you care that much about the diocese of Central Florida, I suggest continued prayer for them so they don’t go down that road.