At this particular gathering in New Orleans our House of Bishops will address three significant matters. We have been asked to clarify what were our intentions when General Convention passed B033 last summer, the very difficult “compromise” in which we pledged not to consent to the election of a bishop whose “manner of life” would pose a challenge to our communion. Many disagreed with our action, but everyone knew what was being said by this resolution. Secondly, we have been asked to clarify whether or not we have authorized the blessing of same gender unions. We, as a church, have not and I believe we can say that with integrity. However, a minority have interpreted our commitment to the pastoral care of gay and lesbian persons as permission to allow for the blessing of same gender relationships.<\/p>\n
Thirdly, we have been asked to consider the concept of a covenant, including what would be its purpose, content and instruments of accountability? Controversial from its outset and dismissed by every faction of the Communion at one time or another, the idea of a covenant remains alive and will be a part of our ongoing conversation for years to come.<\/p>\n
Some bishops and spouses will be spending time on the Gulf Coast on Saturday and Sunday of our meeting. They will receive an orientation to our challenges, work out of Camp Coast Care in rebuilding projects and join coast congregations for Sunday worship. I believe their presence among us will point again to our experience over the past two years of being “One Church in Mission.”<\/p>\n
The Archbishop of Canterbury will be meeting with us for two days of our deliberations. His presence among us is eagerly anticipated and I am delighted that he accepted our invitation to join us. I have been asked to sit with him when we move to our traditional small group tables for in depth conversations during plenary sessions. I am honored to be chosen by our Presiding Bishop to participate in this way and look forward to a deeper conversation with Archbishop Williams than I had previously imagined.<\/p>\n