Since this local character exists in variety of conviction, I find it reasonable that this variety should be allowed to express itself in local practice, by allowing the decision of whether or not to use this rite to be made by each pastor, in his or her own parish. This “local option” will allow each rector or priest-in-charge to minister pastorally according to his or her commitments and conscience, while putting none under constraint or duress.
Having said this, I must also be clear, both as your bishop and from my own place in this spectrum of belief, that I have serious reservations concerning the theology and intention of the rite, for reasons I have specified in an assessment that appears below. I know that at least a few of the clergy inclined to use this rite share some of my concerns about it; I also know they see it as a way of offering public recognition and pastoral support to same-sex couples in whom qualities of mutual devotion and fidelity, care and nurture, and faithful participation in the life of the Church are clearly visible. It is out of respect for their local pastoral authority, as well as out of my own pastoral regard for the free conscience of all who are under their care, that I will allow the use of this rite according to the guidelines that also appear below.
As for the somewhat related matter of ordained ministry, I believe the principal determining factor in regard to my role as ordinary rests in my discernment, in concert with the Church, as to whether God is calling any given individual to Holy Orders. Therefore, I will not alter the non-discrimination policy begun under Bishop Price; an individual’s being in a committed same-sex partnership will not, in and of itself, be a barrier either to ordination or call in this diocese.
That’s a blow. Apparently it came as a surprise to everyone (progressives included, if Lionel Deimel’s blog is to be believed).
I feel regret for the remnant in the TEC diocese.
Singularly unsurprising. He’s a liberal bishop and doesn’t share the same faith as Christians — so, standard behavior in keeping with his faith.
Remember all those predictions from the naive that the Episcopal faux diocese [didn’t follow the canons to reconstitute itself] would remain gently traditional?
Still a blow. Years ago, Dorsey McConnell made public statements which would not have supported the position he just took. I suppose he has “evolved.”
A cynic might observe that The Rt. Rev. Mr. McConnell was on the short list for Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington in the late 1990s, and on a short list for a Diocese in upstate New York a few years later. The cynic might also surmise that the Rt. Rev. Mr. McConnell wanted to be a bishop very badly, and so his views “evolved” to the point at which he was acceptable to the powers in ECUSA. But that would be, well, cynical.
What continues to be exposed here is the fraud of the self-described “theologically conservative” priests who opposed Bishop Duncan. Back in 2008 they [url=http://www.post-gazette.com/frontpage/2008/01/30/Letter-shows-rift-among-Episcopal-conservatives/stories/200801300201]claimed[/url] that the [blockquote] group does not support ordination of openly gay clergy or conducting same-sex blessings [/blockquote] Five years later, after supporting the radical revisionist Assisting Bishop Johnson and radical revisionist Provisional Bishop Price, Bishop McConnell was their choice for bishop. And now we have the open [url=http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2013/11/25/Pittsburgh-area-Episcopal-priests-get-local-option-in-blessing-ceremonies-for-gay-couples/stories/201311250161] admission [/url] from the biggest fraud of them all, Jim Simons, that he is a supporter of gay marriage and gay priests: [blockquote] I think that what the bishop did was wise and I’m supportive of his decision. [/blockquote]
Yep, its par for the course. Liberals say one thing and do another; while “moderates” earnestly believe what the liberals say, and then look shocked and sad at what they actually do, and end up being nothing but tools for the liberals.
Yeah, several years ago I recall reading a well thought out letter that Dorsey McConnell wrote to his bishop when that bishop appointed a partnered homosexual as cathedral dean. At the time, McConnell was very critical of the liberal bishop for the appointment. Now, McConnell’s views have apparently “evolved” sufficiently to let him do what he once criticized in others.
What I find troubling also is that it sounds like the “conservatives” in the TEC Pittsburgh diocese see their bishop more like a Congressional deal maker rather than as a Shepherd of the flock or Defender of the faith. Sure, McConnell still thinks that blessing same sex couples is condoning sin, but what the heck, do you think he is supposed to defend the Faith, or protect his flock from false teaching??? Heck no, his job is to reach a political agreement.