Sabbath Time?

The Sunday of General Convention brings a grand Eucharist.  Several thousand people crowd into a vast, cavernous convention center, transformed into a worship space by a large altar on the stage, surrounded by enormous sconces with candles.  Behind the altar are three large screens on which are projected "stained glass windows" that, on further inspection, turn out to be collages composed of the many faces of people in the Episcopal church.  A large choir, partly composed of singers from local churches, and partly of volunteer convention-goers, sings gospel, Latino, and Anglican classics.  (Today they were led by soloist Elisabeth von Trapp, daughter of the famous Maria and the Captain.)  Korean drummers, banner carriers and liturgical dancers completed the pageantry.  

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori presided, flanked by her predecessors Frank Griswold and Edmond Browning.  I have to tell you it was an unexpected thrill, bringing tears to my eyes, when ++Katharine walked in at the back of the procession - the first female Presiding Bishop in the Anglican Communion.  The crowd apparently agreed - as she exited at the end of the service, spontaneous applause followed her down the aisle as the crowd poured out its goodwill towards her.

Legislatively, it was an important day.  One of the resolutions that I worked very hard on in my legislative committee (the committee on Evangelism) finally came to the floor.  This was the Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics, which can be found here:  

http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=953&type=Current

With many others, I lined up at the microphone to speak in its favor, despite the $3.5 million price tag.  Sadly, the speaker before me "called the question," meaning that debate ended right before my big moment to address the House of Deputies.  But, somehow the House was convinced even without my ringing words, and the House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the resolution.  I think this is a tremendous vision that can help transform the face of our church, and I am thrilled.

But this was not the major legislative drama of the day.  That honor was saved for Resolution D025, which addresses the current controversies in the Anglican Communion over same-sex blessings and the ordination of a gay bishop.  There is a great deal of frustration in the church over B033, the Resolution which was passed in the closing moments of the 2006 General Convention, which called upon standing committees and bishops to "exercise restraint" by not consenting to the consecration of any bishop whose "manner of life presents a challenge to the wider communion" (i.e., a bishop living in a same-sex relationship).  That resolution passed in 2006 as a last-ditch effort, only upon the personal plea of the newly elected Presiding Bishop, ++Katharine, who requested it so she could have time to work with the Anglican Communion.  

There has been a great deal of frustration over that resolution in the 3 years since its passage.  It does not seem to have accomplished a great deal.  African and other bishops have continued to encroach on American churches, intruding into US dioceses despite the Lambeth Report's request that they not do so.  Four conservative dioceses have voted to leave The Episcopal Church, taking most of their clergy and people with them and leaving those Episcopalians remaining behind in a morass of hurt and litigation.  No one appears to be listening to the experience of homosexual persons despite the Anglican Communion's promise to engage in a "listening process."  Many Episcopalians are quite frustrated that our church's gracious and sacrificial  gesture has been scorned in this way.  Coming into this Convention, numerous resolutions were proposed that would overturn or soften it (including one that purported to sever all ties with the Anglican Communion).

The legislative committee on World Mission eventually opted for a quite moderate and conciliatory version of all the resolutions proposed.  That Resolution, D025, can be found here:

http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Current

The resolution affirms the abiding commitment of the Episcopal Church to the Anglican Communion and pledges to continue to participate fully in its life.  It also recognizes the fact that people living in committed same-sex relationships serve in all orders of ministry in our church.  And it states that "God has called and may call such individuals to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church, which call is tested through our discernment processes acting in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church."

In other words, it simply recognizes the facts that are on the ground.  It does not repeal B033, but it does not reaffirm it either.  It affirms The Episcopal Church's polity and its own prescribed methods of choosing its leaders.  

This resolution passed the House of Deputies after some fascinating parliamentary maneuvering.  It was a "vote by orders," meaning a complicated process that effectively requires a super-majority to carry a motion (and a super-majority was received, including unanimous support from the Arizona deputation).  A few conservatives tried various methods to stall the legislation or otherwise deprive it of its effect.  But interestingly, as my fellow deputy from Arizona, Nick Knisely+, pointed out, the "big" conservative voices were very quiet through this debate, leaving the fight to some of the extremists.  Speakers in favor of the resolution far outnumbered those opposed.  Nick believes that the conservative leaders in the House of Deputies actually find this resolution reasonable and believe it is the best of the possible alternatives that could have been brought before them.  The resolution will now go to the House of Bishops.  Whether they will concur is open to question - some have predicted that the bishops will vote to reaffirm B033 instead.  

I am proud of the careful and fair-minded way the House considered this very difficult issue.  Every voice was heard.  A fair and moderate result was reached.  The decision was taken with prayer and concern for God's will.  We'll see what the bishops do with it.