I hate being cold. This is a bit ironic considering I was raised in the upper Midwest and was used to sub-zero temperatures. However, now that I have migrated eastward and get to experience the moderating temperatures of the Gulf Stream, being super cold is not something I relish.
Imagine my horror three years ago when the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church decided to freeze the Church. In a moment of severe weakness, Deputies and Bishops voted on B033 which called on the Church to exercise restraint in calling individuals to the episcopate who might be objectionable to the rest of the Anglican Communion. The impetus for this resolution was because many in the greater Anglican Communion were angry about Bishop Robinson’s election, ordination and consecration. There were threats about keeping our Communion together and threats about whether our bishops would be allowed to attend the Lambeth Conference. The outcome of the resolution was that gays and lesbians were shut out of Episcopal elections (Long Island, included). Unfortunately for the Church, this shutting-out was the exact intent of the resolution.
The chilling effect on the Church was great. Qualified gays and lesbians in lifelong relationships were not even considered by nominating committees in Dioceses. They weren’t even given the chance to move forward which was and is contrary to our Canons. We, as a Church, reneged on our own baptismal vows. This was until two weeks ago.
During the 76th General Convention, the Deputies and Bishops voted, 2-1, on D025 that declared that we, as a Church, are no longer in the same place where we were three years ago, that the Canons are quite clear and that individuals of all sexual orientations have and may be called to all orders of ministry. The effect was to end the chilling effect of B033 and move our church forward. Did it ever!
Imagine my surprise and that of the rest of the Church when yesterday, the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota nominated three individuals to be its next bishop (one of whom is an out, partnered lesbian!). Wonderful! Now all things can be equal. Praise God!!!
Then, today, of all things, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles put forward its slate for Bishop Suffragan. Of the six individuals nominated, two (2) are partnered, out priests. Thus, of 9 individuals nominated in the past 24 hours, 3 of 9 are gay/lesbian.
Regardless if the individuals are elected or not (they may or may not be called to be bishop in that place or in this time – that is for the people in the Diocese to vote upon), it is a great couple of days for our Church. The chill and cold has ended. Let spring come and may hope flow eternally.
Copyright © 2009 The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer
Tags: Anglican Communion, B033, Bishops, D025, Gay, General Convention, Los Angeles, Minnessota