Wednesday, July 15, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: Episcopal House of BIshops endorses the development of liturgies for same sex unions and marriages

Vote on C056
104 - yes
30 - no
2 - abstentions

Here is the video of the final vote on C056 (it should be online shortly):



Here is the final text that the House of Bishops voted on:

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; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consulation 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 further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consulation 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.

7 comments:

Dale Matson said...

Just ask "Integrity" what they want and expect it to happen.

Daniel Weir said...

I find it worth noting that C056 calls for both theological and liturgical materials. Often in discussions in the blogosphere about the consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire, I found comments that we should have dealt with the theology of marriage before we approved trhe consecration of a partnered gay Bishop. C056 seems to me to be a response to that and I hope that conservative members of the Episcopal Church will make significant contributions to the discussion over the next three years. The ball is, I think, in all of our courts.

Anonymous said...

The conservative members of TEC have been systematically marginalized and defeated at every turn. Hoping for them to contribute to a discussion that will lead to a foregone conclusion is probably wishful thinking.

RalphM

Phil said...

Rev. Weir,

Hardly. We both know what the outcome will be. What C056 is is an exercise in eisegesis, or working back from the answer we want.

Daniel Weir said...

Well, let me be a bit snarky. If Phil and Ralph don't want to take part in a serious and respectful discussion, that is their right, but then Phil's assertion that we already know what the outcome will be amounts to a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Phil said...

Father, I'm cynical, but I'm still willing to take part in that discussion. I just believe the fix is in.

Daniel Weir said...

Phil,

Thank you.