This posting will include information from the last day of General Convention. A subsequent one will give overall feedback about the Convention.
Entering the last day of General Convention there was excitement and some trepidation among the deputies, myself included. Would C056 (which gave bishops wide latitude in pastorally dealing with issues of same-gendered blessings along with calling upon the church to gather resources on same-gendered blessings) pass? Would there be a push-back from the more conservative members of the House? Would the bishops put a monkey wrench in the process? What would happen?
As expected, the day found a flurry of activity. The House passed legislation quicker than the previous nine days. The deputies were tired and folks just wanted to get home. However, it was clear that we would still take our duties seriously.
At the time set in the morning, we took up C056. The final text is:
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 for the blessing of same gender relationships; and be it further
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; and be it further
Resolved, 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.
After twenty minutes of discussion regarding procedural questions, including one deputy questioning if we could even discuss the resolution as he felt it violated our constitution (the Chancellor said it didn’t), we finally proceeded to the question. Most of the discussion was civil on both sides as it was clear it the resolution was going to pass (the bishops passed the resolution by ¾’s margin). Some of the arguments opposing assumed the Church was leaving its orthodox roots, that we were “jumping buildings” and that we would kill our relationship with the Anglican Communion. However, some moderate speakers got up and shared that being in communion and moving forward is a both/and and not an either/or.
When the time came to vote, done by orders, the Chaplain led us in prayer. The results in the lay order were 78 yes, 23 no and 7 divided. In the clergy order the vote was 74 yes, 27 no and 7 divided. A simple majority — 55 votes among laity and 55 among clergy — was required for the resolution to pass. Divided votes are counted as “no” votes. The motion carried by more than a two-thirds majority in both orders. The House had spoken and the measure passed overwhelmingly.
When C016 came to the floor, the wonderful resolution regarding adding gender identity or expression to the canons, we decided, as expected, not to consent with the bishops as it moved away from the canon a list of protected individuals. Although the House feels strongly that the sentiment is clearly for no discrimination in the discernment process, not to have a list of individuals would actually open the door for discrimination. Thus, we rejected the move.
Of all the events of the day, the most bizarre one came with a discussion of A099, additions of Propers to the liturgical resource of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Some background: When the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee worked on these Propers, it wanted to add in one for Mary, Theotokos (the God-bearer). In an effort to be correct on the meaning of theotokos, the Committee left out Blessed Virgin in front of Mary’s name. Well, this caused an uproar first in the House of Bishops which amended the language to include Blessed Virgin in it.
Due to an unfortunate editing process, the legislation made it to the House of Deputies with Blessed Virgin crossed out. This caused many orthodox and conservative members to have a fit. After it was explained that the House of Bishops actually included Blessed Virgin in the text, the orthodox and some conservative members of the house calmed down. However, some weren’t listening. After the resolution passed, a member of the Albany deputation, a priest, took her sandals off, put them above her head, and started to clap them together as a sign of shaking the dust off her feet. She walked slowly out of the house yelling “I’m done with you.” As the Diocese of Albany was right behind us to our left, I saw all this. Those in front of us did not.
I pray for that priest. I pray that some more conservative members of our church feel alienated. This is tragic. Sadly, it is the same feeling more progressive members of the church felt for years.
My prayer for the Church as a whole is that we’ll be able to continue to move forward in our faith while living in tension. It is Christ who unites us in our differences. If we need to shake the dust off our feet, let us shake the dust off of our own self pride and assurances that we are “right.” Let us instead realize that only God through Christ is right and move forward in mission.
Copyright © 2009 The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer