Posts Tagged ‘General Convention’

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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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Words DO Matter

Monday, July 27th, 2009

If you are a regular follower of my blog and/or the news out of the General Convention, you will recall that the Episcopal Church endorsed C056 which called for gathering resources of same-gender marriages and allowing generous pastoral responses for bishops, especially those within states who have same-gender marriage, to deal with parishioners dealing with these issues.

Today, in the House of Bishops/Deputies Listserve, a deputy from Southern Ohio raised a question regarding the terms “same-gender” versus “same-sex” as the two are, at least terminology wise, not the same.

As I’ve been wondering the same, I did a bit of research and responded. Here’s my answer:

What a good question about “same-gender” versus “same-sex” unions as I’ve been wondering why C056 used “same-gender” as well.

Interestingly, the Human Rights Campaign, perhaps the largest advocacy group for the GLBT community, and Lambda Legal, a legal defense organization, both use “same-sex” instead of “same-gender” regarding marriage-equality issues.

Generally speaking, same-gender marriage and same-sex marriage have been used interchangeably; however, same-sex marriage is used much more. Although I was not tracking the Committee dealing with C056, the confusion around the terms appears to be with the original resolution which states:

“Resolution: C055

Title:  Same Gender Committed Relationships

Topic: Same-Sex Unions

Committee: 14 – Ministry

House of Initial Action:    Bishops

Proposer:     Diocese of Missouri

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 75th General Convention support and uphold persons in same-gender committed relationships of enduring love, mutuality, and fidelity; and be it further

Resolved, that the term “sexual orientation” in Title III, Canon 1, Section 2, shall protect all persons from denial of access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church solely on the basis of being in such a relationship.”

If you remember the debate on the floor of the House of Deputies regarding adding gender identity or expression to the non-discrimination Canon in Title III (see C061), there was a question regarding the difference between these terms. The difference between “sex” and “gender” was confusing to many. The question regarding the terminology seemed to bog down the House of Bishops which, in its confusion, removed the list completely. Instead of simply taking the Bishop’s resolution as amended, it was decided that it was better to keep the list as is, without adding “gender identity or expression” and to have much more education about the terms over the next three years.

The World Health Organization has a quick explanation between “gender” and “sex.” Here’s the link: http://www.who.int/gender/whatisgender/en/index.html

Don’s point, though, is an excellent one. C056 is clearly meant to be about “same-sex” marriage which is probably how it will be interpreted. However, as the Church moves forward, it needs to be more clear on its terms and use “same-sex” instead of “same-gender.”

Copyright © 2009 The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer

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A Matter of Personal Privilege

Friday, July 17th, 2009

Many-a-times in our lives our hearts ache. Tonight is one of those nights.

During this 76th General Convention, the floor of the House of Deputies has been filled with “Personal Privilege” remarks. Remarks about the room’s temperatures, about an event, about other deputies, about the Secretary’s clothing. Most of these privileges have slowed the work of the Convention down. However, it is time that I present a matter of personal privilege.

Today, the House of Deputies, and House of Bishops concurring, proposed and adopted a Draconian Budget eliminating $23 million from the next three years. This is due to many reasons, not the least of them being this economy. Clearly the Church is hurting.

Nonetheless, most Dioceses, Long Island included, do NOT give the full asking, 21%, to the National Church. I find this appalling since the Diocese of Long Island complains, left and right, that churches within the Diocese do not pledge the full asking of 13%. How can we ask, yet do not do, what we require?

Good stewardship dictates that we, as a Church, give what we say we should give. To do so presents a problem in our theology.

Sadly, many, many workers at the Church Center will lose their jobs. Women’s’ Ministry, Evangelism, Small Church, Anti-Racism, to name a few, will be gone. Even worse, I believe my partner, although he has not yet been told, will lose his job.

What are we, as a Church, doing? I fear we are becoming the Country Club that I have resisted every day of my ministry. Enough is enough!

St. Jude’s, my parish, has grown immensely in numbers and financially as we have focused upon mission instead of maintenance. Perhaps it is time for the Episcopal Church to do likewise.

Copyright © 2009 The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer

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