And now Los Angeles

From the LA TImes:

Episcopal Church leaders in Los Angeles today nominated an openly gay priest and an openly lesbian priest as bishops, becoming one of the first dioceses in the national church to test a controversial new policy that lifted a de facto ban on gays and lesbians in the ordained hierarchy.

The nominations of the Rev. John L. Kirkley of San Francisco and the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool of a Baltimore-based diocese are likely to further inflame theological conservatives in the U.S. church and their global partners in the Anglican Communion, who have repeatedly warned about the repercussions of such action.

The two are among six nominees who will face election for two assistant bishop posts at the diocese’s annual December convention in Riverside.
......

In addition to Kirkley and Glasspool, the other nominees are: the Rev. Canon Diane M. Jardine Bruce of St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in San Clemente; the Rev. Zelda M. Kennedy of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena; the Rev. Irineo Martir Vasquez of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Hawthorne; and the Rev. Silvestre E. Romero of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in San Jose.

More information on individual candidates from Episcopal Cafe.

Bonnie Perry, Mariann Budde, Brian Prior nominated in Minnesota

Episcopal Cafe reports that Minnesota has announced its slate for their bishop election. The Rev. Bonnie Perry is a partnered lesbian.

The Rev. Dr. Mariann Budde, Rector, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, MN.

The Rev. Bonnie Perry, Rector, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Chicago, IL.

The Rev. Brian Prior, Rector, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Spokane, WA and Vice President of the House of Deputies of the General Convention.

More information on each nominee is here.

The Bishop comes to visit: GC review

Sunday was the formal "Episcopal Visit" day by the Bishop of San Diego, James Mathes, to the Cathedral. It was also a soccer tournament for the Boy, the schedule for which meant we had to attend the 8am service, where we were somewhat surprised to find the Bishop presiding and preaching. We hadn't heard him preach before, and he proved to have a wry sense of humor and a matter of fact delivery. He discussed some of the issues of GC, not in detail (that came later) but enough to build on a theme of unity and inclusion--no strangers, no aliens, no distinguishing between them and us, GLBT and straight, liberal and conservative. And he was very clear, speaking to his Cathedral listeners, about the need to bring all these groups together. In fact as he proceeded down the aisle afterwards, I reflected that his crozier was an apt symbol, because he really did give me the impression of a shepherd earnestly trying to keep his flock intact.

As I've mentioned before, San Diego's diocese reaches from the liberal enclaves of Hillcrest (the arty city neighborhood that includes the Cathedral, Balboa Park, tons of restaurants and San Diego's gay district), to the to the the well-educated, high-tech coastal corridor of northern San Diego county, the immigrant encampments, and the poor and struggling neighborhoods towards the south. And then it runs east, all the way through farmland, mountains and desert to the Arizona border. This vast expanse includes rural Imperial County, one of the most conservative regions in the state (and one where the pro-Prop8 vote exceeded 70%). In other words, these sheep are headed every which way and are thus challenging to herd. In 2003, San Diego's then-Bishop Hughes walked out of the GC vote on Gene Robinson, and in the fallout thereafter, several parishes also walked. But conservative Bp Hughes retired, and Bp Mathes has clearly brought in a new style of moderation and inclusion. (This was apparent in the op/ed he wrote after the passage of Prop8.)

Between the 8am and 10.30am services, Bp Mathes spoke about GC at the weekly Cathedral forum. He has a quiet voice with a whisper of a southern accent, and again his sense of humor was clear and at times rather pointed! The Bishop was very positive about the achievements of GC, and he also noted how different was the tone of Convention from the previous years even when disagreements occurred (he mentioned several times his indaba group). On the topic of blessings, things will move with deliberation; he will require individual congregations to study the issues in detail and he himself needs to do substantial work. The Cathedral community is particularly impatient on this topic, but I don't think he'll be rushed! ;-) Bp Mathes stressed again his concern for those who have different viewpoints, and the need to include them. It was interesting how the Bishop drew a sharp distinction between those who have honest disagreements and seek to find a modus vivendi (some of whom he spoke of by name, with evident respect), and those who actively seek destruction of TEC and/or the Communion. He didn't mention names, but I think we can guess who they are.

Other GC issues relevant to San Diego, particularly outreach to the Hispanic and Latino community, as well as support for cross-border charitable activities in Mexico, were discussed as well. The Bishop's wife spoke about some of this in the context of her interaction with ERD.

Overall, we came away impressed by the Bishop, and by his wife. They both seem measured and intelligent, and able representatives of this very diverse community. The Cathedral audience is a liberal one that was generally pleased with the results of GC and the Bishop's efforts; I wonder how different his reception will be as he visits some of his other congregations who have different views, and who may not be so happy to have a Bishop sympathetic to GLBT inclusion. Indeed, it is evident that Bp Mathes is well aware that some people this year are as disappointed as the Cathedral congregation was 3 years ago, and he again made an explicit call for charity, understanding, and inclusion. "Reach out to them," he said. "Let them know there's a place for them at the table."

Despite his mild exterior, I think Bp Mathes is a pretty tough and savvy guy.

Interview with Gene Robinson

From the NY Times, an interview with Gene Robinson about the events at Convention. One thing I noticed in particular:

Robinson: Our diocese grew by 3 percent last year.

Q: And that makes how many church members?

Robinson: There are 15,000 people in the diocese of New Hampshire.

Q: Who are you pulling in?

Robinson: We have received so many Roman Catholics and young families, particularly families who are saying, “We don’t want to raise our daughters in a church that doesn’t value young people in our church.”

That would be our experience too: lots of unhappy RC making the swim. So all those dark prognosticators about the decline of the church need to remember that inclusion can be a great draw: inclusion and love are a much better message than exclusion and disdain.

Q: Which vote that you’ve taken here do you think will have more impact, the one on bishops, or the one on same-sex blessings?

Robinson: Blessings. There are a lot of gay and lesbian people out there who are looking for affirmation, who have no desire to be a bishop. I’ve been saying to them, give the Episcopal Church a try, give church another try, and this is the one I wanted to go home with. ..... It was amazing. We took the vote, there were closing prayers, and usually somebody says amen and we’re up and out of there. But last night not a person moved, for 10 minutes. There was absolute silence. I think we realized the momentousness of what we’d done. People just sat their quietly praying. It was amazing. It was almost as if we didn’t want to leave each other.

HoD vote on C056....it passes!

This whole thing has made me descend into twittering, for which I see the principle use of reporting "on the ground" events. (I recommend that application "tweetdeck" for managing such things....). Thus, in real time, even remotely, your heart pounds while waiting for the latest 140 character comment from Susan Russell and others who are there, as the voting by orders begins.

Here we go...(three hours go by)

lay deputations 78-23-7 divided
clergy deputations 74-27-7 divided

It passes! Meaning....a tentative step forward to consider what to do with faithfully partnered GLBT people. Full text here. The Integrity blog explains,

What that actually means will vary from diocese to diocese, depending on how the Bishop discerns the needs of the people and the movement of the Spirit. In some places it’ll mean church weddings, in others something very private and discreet, and in some places there will be nothing at all.

Meanwhile, what happens to the Anglican Communion with all this? A view from Scotland's Provost of St Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow (H/T Susan Russell):

The Americans have not walked away from the Anglican Communion. They have walked away a little from the idea that the conflict over LGBT issues would disappear if everyone did what Rowan Williams said and adopted the proposals of the Windsor Report. They were right to do so.

The Windsor process has little currency now. The notion that world Anglicanism could be held together by asking churches to discriminate against gay people is shot to pieces.

We need to return to the rather more basic notion that it is devotion to Jesus which holds the potential to unite Christians, not devotion to prejudice. And we must thank God that the Americans have shown us how to make that real.

Why GC matters outside TEC

From the Huffington Post:

It doesn't matter if you attend religious services weekly or if you have fallen away, if you're atheist or agnostic, if you think religion is the opiate of the people or the road to peace - established religion in America is an important force.

So when the bishops of the Episcopal Church voted this week to affirm gay clergy, it was an important move.
.....

But it IS important to all of us who support gay and lesbian rights, for a couple reasons.

First, the Episcopal Church is seen as the canary in the coal mine by other mainline Protestant Churches. They are waiting to see if accepting gays and lesbians as full members of the church will lead to a breaking away from the international church, or whether different views will be able to co-exist happily.

If the Anglican fellowship survives with an inclusive Episcopal Church, it might lead other denominations - Lutherans, Presbyterians - to follow the example of the United Church of Christ and become fully inclusive of gays and lesbians as well.

And once all Mainline Protestant churches start approving of gay marriage, it will be very difficult for politicians and anti-marriage advocates to make a religious argument against gay marriage, since it will be even more clear that not all denominations agree on this issues.

Secondly, however, the entire issue points out something that those of us who are American gays and lesbians often forget: the rights (or lack thereof) of gays and lesbians internationally has an effect on us here at home.....

The NY Times adds,

The bishops of the Episcopal Church agreed Wednesday to a compromise measure that stops short of developing an official rite for same-sex unions, but gives latitude to bishops who wish to go ahead and bless such unions, particularly in states that have legalized such marriages.....[T]he vote was a momentous step for a church that has been mired in intrafactional warfare over homosexuality for more than a decade..... many Episcopalians at the convention here believe they will have support and will not be ostracized. They are drawing on the testimony of Anglican guests from Africa, Asia and Latin America, who they have brought to the convention here as proof that they have international allies.

And The Guardian,

As it is, this week's Anaheim resolution will probably become the occasion for a split in the ranks of worldwide Anglicanism, the third largest Christian denomination. The Americans insist they don't want it and indeed it has almost exclusively been the church's conservative, largely evangelical, movements and pressure groups which do and have done all along.....

If the Americans are shown the door the consequences for worldwide Anglicanism are incalculable and not just because the wealthy US church largely pays for and sustains the communion, including in those parts of the world where the church's mission would not otherwise survive. In the Church of England there are many who find they have more in common with their American brethren than with the strident, coercive voices they hear from the conservatives.

So there you are. How's the canary singing today?

HoB votes 104-30-2 in favor of C056

Which sorta-kinda suggests that they consider the need to take a little step on maybe investigating same sex blessings. Updates to come.

Updatefrom the Integrity blog:

So what are we left with –
1) local option – in other words each bishop can decide what is appropriate especially given the different legal situations. This has been the situation informally and unofficially but now it’s out in the open.
2) The collection and development of theological and liturgical resources.

This seems to reflect a sentiment mentioned several times by bishops over the past week, that we need to develop our theological ideas BEFORE we develop liturgies, not the other way round. It also provides some breathing space for the more conservative.

It's certainly something. But don't get carried away.

Whither Same Sex blessings?

Today is the day, I've heard, that (some) of the numerous resolutions regarding same sex blessings will be discussed. One twitterer reports a possible backlash over D025 "triumphalism". However, a more nuanced and sober response to D025 is now coming out here, where even the Bishops disagree what it means, and here, where Fr Terry Martin comments,

Also note that resolution B033 from GC2006 is not even mentioned. To yoke this resolution to that one is a pairing that might be obvious to some people. It sure isn't obvious to me, and I would assume it isn't obvious to anyone else who reads those two resolutions with even an ounce of objectivity.

Does D025 remove the call for restraint found in B033? Where is that said in the language of D025? Please point out the text that accomplishes that purpose, because I don't see it. The call is from God, discerned through our process. B033 did not change that process. No changes were made to our constitution or canons. D025 introduces nothing new.

Still, today there is a whole slew of resolutions related to same sex marriage and blessings which overlap in various ways; you can keep track of their status via Integrity's site, here. You can follow in real time the tweets from individuals about GC (using #ecgc for a hashtag) at the Twubs site, and The Lead is sort of live-blogging the events.

I'm not sufficiently knowledgeable to suggest which ones will have a chance to make it out of committee and flutter up to the level of the houses in question. (Hopefully some more sophisticated observers will comment on this.) One rather fears they are like moths, destined for immolation in the flames. Well, by now you know I'm a cynic and a pessimist. C056 seems the likeliest candidate; it would commission a report for the next GC, though possibly restrict any movement to those jurisdictions where civil marriage (and perhaps civil union) is legal (more here). If I read it correctly, it puts an official church-wide response off for at least another 3 years, but allows some flexibility. But, it's not clear that even this will flutter free. So, convention watchers--if it should happen that way, would re-affirming the openness of the episcopate to GLBT candidates be worth the payback of losing any chance of same-sex blessings?

Update: Good thing no one's betting on my predictions, eh? ;-)

Amended D025 passes House of bishops 99-45-2

Well gag me with a feather.

More here.

D025 passes HoD; what will the Bishops do?

So, the people of the church think that it's time to recognize the potential of GLBT members at all levels. What will the Bishops do?

James calls it the Gunfight at the GC corral.

One of the San Diego deputies reports the Fat is in the Fire:

But all hell is breaking loose with the conservatives: the General Synod of the Church of England (CofE) which is also in session, has received a motion to change its recognition from the Episcopal Church to the new break away Anglican Church of North America (ACNA), I understand that it cannot be acted on at this meeting of the Synod, but must wait until the next, whenever that is.

Fortunately Madpriest tells us that "6 bishops and 121 members out of 467 members is no where near enough to carry such a wrong-headed motion."

The SD delegate goes on:

The Archbishop of Canterbury, of the CofE, has publicly regretted the action of the U.S. House of Deputies in adopting DO25 and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has responded to the Archbishop by warning the CofE not to stir up schism, declaring it a non-Christian act.

In the meantime, it continues to be the popular belief that the U.S. House of Bishops will kill DO25. Even Bishop John Chane, liberal and pro-gay, has been quoted as saying that DO25 is not helpful and doubts it will pass the House of Bishops. In my humble opinion, such an act by the bishops would be a PR disaster for them and if not resulting in a public booing, a virtual booing just the same. They will lose great influence with the people. It will change everything.

What about the liberal arms of the Cof E, and the liberal churches who agree with this? Where are their voices? I'm pretty sure there are a lot of them on the inclusive side..... funny how the conservatives gt all the press.

Chicago Consultation talks about the B033 (video)

The speakers are: The Rev. Dr. Jane Shaw, Dr. Jenny Te Paa, The Rev. Dr. Giles Fraser, Dean Sam Candler, Canon Jim Naughton, The Rev. Dr. Marilyn McCord Adams, Dr. Fredrica Harris Thompsett, Bishop Gene Robinson

(H/T Episcopal Cafe)

Yesterday's testimony for Same Sex Marriage

From A Lambeth Pilgrim's blog, Tom Jackson, President of Oasis California, reflects on his ideal testimony:

They ask me: "Why do you stay in a church where you are a second class citizen?"

And I tell the truth: most of the time I am not a second class Episcopalian.

I was not a second class Episcopalian when the parish needed someone to lead a Communications Committee.

I was not a second class Episcopalian when the parish needed someone to lead an Education for Ministry (EfM) program.

I was not a second class Episcopalian when the parish needed someone to chair the Every Member Canvass, or to sing in the choir or be a coffee hour host.

I was not a second class Episcopalian when the parish needed someone to serve on vestry.

I was not a second class Episcopalian when the parish needed a new Junior Warden.

I was not a second class Episcopalian when the parish needed me to pledge.

When I asked for a blessing of my home, I was not a second class Episcopalian.

When I asked for a blessing for my loyal Bassett hound, I was not a second class Episcopalian.

Only when I asked for a blessing of my most important human relationship on earth did I become a second-class citizen in the Kingdom of God.

For the first time in my life I felt the sting of discrimination at the hands of my church, for the first time I was told to ride in the back of the church bus, and I did not like it. I do not think that Jesus lived and died and rose from the dead so this church can maintain the tradition of not marrying same gender couples.

More updates from yesterday's discussion of same sex marriage issues:

• The Leadsummarizes the discussion and also
• Jim naughton live-blogged. Most folks were opposed to B033 but at least one supporter threw in a gratuitous insult against GLBT people
• Bloggers on the ground
• Episcopal Life reports on Testimony about B033 and
• testimony about same gender rites (the other resolutions)
• The Three Legged Stool continues to be a good source of commentary
• Lots more from the ground at A Lambeth Pilgrim's Blog
  

Theology and Scripture behind Same Sex unions

As the Institutional Church assigns the double-secret theology committee to once again investigate the theological foundations behind recognition of same-sex couples, it's worth pointing out some other resources for those interested in the topic. (Inotherwords, it's not like people haven't thought of this before....!)

• First, of course, is the 2003 document (pdf) Claiming the Blessing from a coalition of Episcopal groups, including Integrity, which sketches out some of the issues.
  
  
• Then, there's Tobias Haller's new book (which even I found very accessible), called Reasonable and Holy. That link is to its blog site, which will have information on the book, and reviews.
  
  
• The Chicago Consultation is another group that has assembled a study document (pdf) Christian Holiness and Human Sexuality. More about the document at Episcopal Life Online:

  The booklet's five essays, written by eminent Episcopal and Anglican theologians, review human sexuality within the context of scripture, tradition, ethics and liturgy, followed by eight pages of discussion questions. The publication, however, does not pretend to be an objective presentation of different opinions.

• Finally, you may want to take a look at the document (PDF) Report of the Task Force on Holiness in Relationships and the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions produced by the Diocese of San Diego, which presents the conflicting viewpoints in a point-counterpoint style, as we discussed previously.

As GC argues over B012 and D043, you may find these useful resources. Especially the next time someone of conservative bent whines that "you have to do the theology"!

Another one to watch: D043

Designation of Inquiring and Discerning Parishes for the Blessing of Same Sex Unions:

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church recognizes bishops to be stewards of the continuing conversation about human sexuality; and be it further

Resolved, That under the direction of their bishop or ecclesiastical authority, and consent of the priest in charge and vestry, parishes may be designated as Inquiring and Discernment Parishes where the blessing of unions of two consenting adults will be permitted with the same level of care, commitment, and integrity expected in Holy Matrimony, but not currently permitted under the rubrics of Holy Matrimony; and be it further

Resolved, That such designation shall take place after the parish has undergone a comprehensive study on human sexuality that provides for a broad discussion on different theological and pastoral perspectives and holiness in relationships; and be it further

Resolved, That Inquiring and Discerning Congregations shall make annual reports to their bishop or ecclesiastical authority. Information in such reports shall include but not be limited to the resource(s) used for the comprehensive study, the number of blessings performed, and the rites used for such blessings; and be it further

Resolved, That the above-mentioned reports shall be forwarded to a special committee of the 77th General Convention, with members of the committee to be appointed by the presidents of both houses to evaluate what is learned in this activity of discernment.

EXPLANATION The issue of same-sex blessings has significantly polarized society and has similarly become a divisive issue in the church. There are those who say that it is morally wrong and against God's law to bless same gender relationships. Others say that it is a matter of justice that they be fully recognized and blessed. Both perspectives led on Scripture, theological reflection, Church history and tradition, and science.

Each is willing to presume the absolute rightness of their position regardless of the consequences to the one with whom they disagree. As Anglicans we who often find ourselves between hardened positions seek a middle way. As Christians, Jesus calls us not to be right but to be peacemakers. This may be a justice issue without compromise; it may be a moral issue requiring condemnation of the particular behavior. Inquiry and discernment provides the space to do this work. This process is an invitation to those who have firmly fixed positions on either side to enter into a place of uncertainty where God can speak to the Church. If this feels like compromise for some on a question where there can be no compromise, then please pray that it is a Godly compromise under which we freely enter the wilderness of unknowing, led by God to a place none of us yet knows, but full of promise for all.

GC gets underway. What about B012?

In 6 states now, gay people can be legally married. 18,000 gay couples were legally married in California during the interregnum. These married couples exist in a never-never land with respect to TEC.

The conservatives view us with active disdain. The best we can expect from them is the way the Roman Catholics view divorce. As Andrew Sullivan writes in his excellent essay, Modernity, Faith and Marriage,

Catholics, for example, accept the word marriage to describe civil marriages that are second marriages, even though their own faith teaches them that those marriages don't actually exist as such. But most Catholics are able to set theological beliefs to one side and accept a theological untruth as a civil fact. ..... Catholics can tolerate fellow citizens who are not Catholic calling their non-marriages marriages - because Catholics have already accepted a civil-religious distinction. They can wear both hats in the public square.

Of course the conservatives are actively working against us, which they don't do against the divorced, so the analogy is not completely apt.

Ann told us a few weeks ago about B012, and James at Three Legged Stool provides further reflection. Basically, this would give clergy in jurisdictions where married gay couples exist some leeway.

.... in those dioceses, under the direction of the bishop, generous discretion is extended to clergy in the exercise of their pastoral ministry in order to permit the adaptation of the Pastoral Offices for The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage and The Blessing of a Civil Marriage for use with all couples who seek the church's support and God's blessing in their marriages; and be it further
   Resolved, That in order to build a body of experience for the benefit of the church, each bishop in those dioceses where this pastoral practice is exercised provide an annual written report on their experience to the House of Bishops each March and to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music for its report to the 77th General Convention.

We don't need to rehash here the arguments--I'm sure the bishops will do that in any case. But considering the analogy to divorce, I think, is important. There are many more Biblical strictures against divorce than homosexuality and these are unambiguous, yet TEC and most other churches have accepted the necessity of divorce, and accept and recognize the divorced. There are even (gasp) divorced bishops. Is this issue really any different?

The main difference, of course, is that most straight people, whether liberal or conservative, can understand the need for divorce. THey might need it one day. How much easier it is to enforce restrictions against others that will never affect oneself. In a church that will bless a dog or a boat, think of the message it sends to exclude committed, married couples from any recognition.

However, I wouldn't hold out many hopes. Because frankly, gay people are still talked about as objects, not as people. And once you can talk about a group as "they", rather than a part of "we", leaving them outside becomes quite easy, and rationalizations flow. Because "they" aren't like "us".

Update H/T to James, who points us at a document from the Bishop of Niagara on Theological perspectives on blessing same sex couples (PDF).

Update 2: B012 was discussed on 8 July, with basically no opposition. A description of the initial hearing here from Episcopal Life. A more personal view from Elizabeth Kaeton.

Marching to Anaheim

Coming to America

Episcopal Cafe´ reports:

We have heard from a pair of well-placed and unrelated sources that Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, may be coming to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Anaheim in July. ... the ABC would arrive on the first or second day of the convention, possibly participate in some sort of forum about the world economic situation, offer a meditation at the daily Eucharist on the third day of convention and then depart. A number of other Primates are invited as well. We will keep you posted.

And lead us all in a couple of choruses of the Lambeth kum bah ya -- while pouring Anglican Communion tea. Guess we should all just forget about B033 and same sex blessings as the bishops will probably roll over for their stomach pats. Hope you will all lobby your local bishop and remind him or her there are many who have been patient for 30 years.
And show them the Voices of Witness: Africa to remind them that the Communion is more than just bishops. Also the original Voices of Witness.

Good news from Diocese of Missouri

Lisa Fox reports from the diocesan convention of the Diocese of Missouri:

Many you know there is s national move afoot to get dioceses on board to repudiate B033 and apologize for its effects, to ask General Convention to affirm same-sex-blessings, and to re-open the door to LBGT candidates to the episcopate. Some brave souls decided to try to get the Diocese of Missouri "on the record" supporting those initiatives, and I lent my support without much hope of success. You'll find those resolutions in our convention materials here. I had worked quietly to support these resolutions, but I did not believe they had a snowball's chance of passing in the Diocese of Missouri. I expected to be overwhelmed by "no," "no," and "no." Mind you, I walked into Missouri's diocesan convention yesterday believing they were right, and prepared for a quixotic battle to argue their adoption, but absolutely certain not a one of them would pass in this very, profoundly "red state" in which gay rights had failed 3:1 in a 2006 "popular" referendum.
....
Last weekend, I would not have bet a plug nickel that any of these resolutions would have passed in this conservative diocese.

But, my friends, all of them passed – all of them! – all four of them. Yes, everyone of them. Tonight, my head is reeling that all of them passed – and passed by such a wide majority that we didn't even have to count the votes. They all passed overwhelmingly. Overwhelmingly. In this conservative/moderate diocese. In this red state. My head is spinning.

Read it all here.

Good work Lisa and friends. Drop by drop we wear away the stone!!