Posts Tagged ‘Gay’

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To Chill No More

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

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

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A Flurry of Activity

Monday, July 20th, 2009

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

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

General Convention, 2009, can be best described as a grace-filled, holy moment enterprise. Whereas previous Conventions have been centered around anger, this General Convention seems much more about moving forward and beyond the problems of our past. The Spirit has been leading us and the spirit of the deputies and bishops seems to be one of hope instead of despair.

Today saw much reason to hope. Much good happened.

Bishops, recognizing the changing pastoral needs, authorized the process to begin development of rites for same-gender blessings. As six states currently have civil marriage, the issues surrounding same-gender blessings became even more evident.

The process would be an open one to invite theological reflection and participation from throughout the church for a report to be made in 2012. Additionally, bishops would be given, if this resolution passes the House of Deputies, more generous pastoral responses. Much good came from these actions.

Another good area, although it will have major consequences for the greater Church, was the authorization of a nationalized Episcopal medical plan instead of locally adopted ones. Not only will there be a national plan (pooling resources), there will be mandated health care for lay employees who work more than 2000 hours a year. Additionally, mandatory lay pensions for those who work more than 1000 hours a year was passed.

This is truly a justice issue as the laity are the backbone of the Church. However, in the midst of this goodness, I do worry about the costs of implementing such resolutions. For St. Jude’s alone, it will cost nearly $9,000 more per year when fully implemented. This will be a bitter, although healthy pill to take.

Goodness, however, often pretends to be good but is really bad. Today, the House of Bishops took up C061 which I advocated for, adding gender identity or expression to the Canons. However, in the House of Bishops discussions, there was much confusion regarding transgendered issues. Due to the worry about what gender identity or expression meant, it was moved and passed to eliminate the list of protected individuals who have suffered historically from discrimination.

On the surface, to simply say “all the baptized have access to the discernment process” is a good thing; however, by not naming individuals, there is wiggle-room for those in this Church who might look another way to discriminate. Sadly, these lists were and are necessary. Adding gender identity or expression is necessary to ensure that all the baptized really are welcomed. Yet, due to some historical reasons needed to keep the list (as we, as a Church are not yet at the place to really trust ourselves), this resolution will fail in the House of Deputies.

Rightly, the World Mission Committee voted not to concur with the House of Bishops. This will mean the original canon without gender identity or expression will remain in effect. I pray that many of us in the Church will work to more fully understand these issues. Then, in 2012, we can remedy this injustice. How bad this was.

Yes, there was a lot of good today. Yes, there was even some bad. However, there was a lot of ugliness.

First off, the floor of the House of Deputies felt much more like a chess match with some deputations fighting over bits of minutia then a group of dedicated Christians working together. Although our Church is mostly ready to move forward, there are some deputies who feel very alienated. Due to that, there were literally countless parliamentary motions made to slowdown debate on issues. This slowing down has been prohibiting much work and has caused President Bonnie Anderson to become very agitated at times. It is very ugly to witness and makes many of us just want to scream, “Enough!”

Then, to make matters worse, the Committee on Program, Budget and Finance proposed their budget for the next triennium, 2010 – 2012. It has more than a $20,000,000 shortfall in financial revenue. This means that draconian cuts in ministries is going to happen. Cuts including eliminating ministry development, evangelism and congregational development positions. Positions which this deputy feels is vital for our Church to work towards the next decade.

Of course, to amend the budget is an impossibility. Massive cuts are needed but it makes me saddened to see such moving away from mission. How ugly this is.

We have two more days of debate to go. Tomorrow will have three sessions: morning, all afternoon and evening. Then Friday will have two more. I pray that we will, as Church, find the Holy Spirit in the midst of all of this. Let’s turn the ugly to beautiful, the bad to good and the good to great.

Copyright © 2009 The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer

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