The Episcopal Church Takes One More Step Toward 'Same-sex Blessings'

Sexuality has, once again, dominated the center stage in at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

UPDATE: On Friday the House of Deputies joined with the House of Bishops to call for the review on same-sex blessings. The resolution passed by more than two-thirds among both clargy and laity. One Episcopal priest stated that this resolution "displays the very best of who we are."

ANAHEIM (Catholic Online) - By a 3 to 1 margin, the House of Bishops for the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (TEC) affirmed a resolution to review the denomination's pastoral response, theology and liturgies for same-sex marriages during their Wednesday legislative session.

The bishops discussed the ramifications of what they called the need "to acknowledge changing circumstances" regarding same-sex blessings. The spectator gallery was full, during the spirited debate and numerous amendments before the revised resolution passed 104 to 30 with 2 abstentions.

According to Resolution C056, "Resolved, that the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources and report to the 77th General Convention" in 2012 in Indianapolis.

The resolution further stated, "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 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 noted 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."

As with other measures, the bishops more committed to classical Christian convictions and orthodox faith tried to change the direction of the resolution. The overwhelming support of the House underscored the radical shift in conscience and theological novelties within the church.

Some who supported the measure were elated with the outcome, seeing TEC on a groundbreaking spiritual journey. Most, however, were more cautious, including Bishop Andy Doyle of Texas.

Bishop Doyle voted in support of the resolution but later told the Episcopal News Service, "Nothing we did today actually did anything other than provide for the collection of and design of rites for a conversation. That's very important to understand. We didn't bless or move toward blessings any more than we were.

"What we were doing was taking what was already being done - resources that are already out there, liturgies that are already happening across the country - and collecting them so we could discuss what this is.

"No permissions were given today. That doesn't mean that the perception of the greater communion won't be that permission was given, or that people in my own diocese won't perceive that permission was given. But we didn't authorize anything other than the collection of material."

On Thursday, the House of Deputies took up the resolution for discussion and possible adoption. Should both houses affirm the resolution, the next three years will be focused on established the groundwork for establishing doctrines and liturgies affirming gay marriage.

In a similar vein, the convention officially adopted a resolution affirming the civil rights of transgender persons.

In the only joint session of the convention, TEC's budget committee presented the triennial budget which involved significant cuts in the amount of $23 million. Citing the economy, changing directions in TEC, and diminishing numbers, the committee outlined changes involving headquarters personnel, restrictions on travel, and the percentages sent to the national church.

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Randy Sly is the Associate Editor of Catholic Online. He is a former Archbishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church who laid aside that ministry to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

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