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Our Refuge From The Stormy Blast
By Allison Greaker
Episcopalians for Traditional Faith
The House of Bishops in Session — TEC Photo
This is the first General Convention that I have attended and I am developing a feeling of sadness that the Church has plummeted so low. There is not even a pretense of welcoming the traditionalists , although I have seen banners here in several languages proclaiming that The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. The prevailing agenda is for the gay community, be it bishops, clergy, or laity.
I attended a Eucharist that was more like a revival meeting than a service in the Episcopal Church. I wondered what the Archbishop of Canterbury, who gave the sermon, thought of it.
The next Eucharist that I attended was worse. Former Presiding Bishop Browning has been quoted as saying, “ There will be no outcasts,” as though he meant the gay community, when in fact he was referring to the traditionalists during a news conference he gave at the 1994 General Convention in Indianapolis.
The rest of the service was dedicated to the complete gay agenda. I guess that you could call it a Gay Kumbaya.
The following is a sample of a resolution being morphed to final form in a session of the House of Bishops.
C056: Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 76th General Convention charge the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music with development of liturgies of blessing for same-gendercommitments to be presented to the next triennial General Convention in 2012 for inclusion in “Book of Occasional Services”; and. be it further
Resolved, That in the meantime the Ecclesiastical Authority of each diocese may authorize for use in the diocese liturgies for blessing same-gender committed relationships of enduring love, mutuality, and fidelity; and be it further
Resolved, That, with respect to such blessings, no bishop or clergy of this Church or any other person acting on behalf of this Church shall be required or expected to perform an act contrary to a deeply-held position of conscience.
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention acknowledge the changing circumstances in the United States and in other nations, as legislation authorizing or forbidding marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian persons is passed in various civil jurisdictions that call forth a renewed pastoral response from this Church, and for an open process for the consideration of theological and liturgical resources and liturgies for the blessing of same gender relationships; further and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources, and design liturgies and report to the 77th General Convention; for further action; and be it
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, devise an open process for the conduct of its work inviting participation from provinces, dioceses, congregations, and individuals who are engaged in such theological work, and inviting theological reflection from throughout the Anglican Communion; and be it further
Resolved, That bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention continue to honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this Church be encouraged to engage in this effort.
The resolution was read and then the House decided to have a 20- minute conversation* about the changes. They debated the word “design.” They debated the word “develop.” Several bishops said that they were confused.
After all the debate someone asked that the resolution be discharged and the content of the resolution be handled with a Pastoral Letter. This was defeated and the resolution was passed by the House of Bishops.
Small wonder that it was a privilege to receive Communion at a service on Wednesday with the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. I read Morning and Evening Prayer in my home. I am determined that the Episcopal Church will not take the Book of Common Prayer from me.
* “Conversation,” formerly known in TEC as “dialog,” is Episcospeak for “discussion” or “debate.”
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