Dear faithful readers,
AT 3:05 PM on June 20, 2006, The Episcopal Church entered a twilight zone of constitutional and canonical suspension. The House of Deputies voted overwhelmingly to defeat A161, (voted NO) declaring that it is more important to support gay and lesbian clergy than to remain in the Anglican Communion.
The resolution is defeated in both orders.
We are at a constitutional crisis because in the final analysis, no body in the Episcopal Church has the authority to approve a moratorium. No one body, or the General Convention can legally effect a moratorium. In order for this to take effect, it must pass two General Conventions as a Constitutional Amendment and there was no stomach for anything in the constitution that denies the rights of gay and lesbians in this church.
The vote was Lay 109 cast yes 38 no 53 divided 18 total no=+ divided = 61
Clergy : 111 votes cast; 44 yes 67 no + divided
Then the House of Deputies consented to the consecration of Barry Beisner as bishop of N. California. It was argued that he had learned so much from his two divorces and now third marriage that he would be a great counselor; that his marital status did not affect his ability to be a bishop; that the Lambeth Conferences last spoke to the issue of divorce in 1958, saying that it was happening (chiefly in the United States) and each Province had to come up with a way to deal with it. Although it was mentioned that Beisner would not be eligible for ordination in 90% of dioceses, that made no difference. Northern California wanted him and knew of his limitations prior to his election. He has been punished enough by not being approved until today. It is time to get this off the calendar. Let’s vote.
And so, there are more things shattering here today than just glass ceilings, as one deputy stated after the announcement of Katherine Jefferts Schori on Sunday. We will express regret to the Communion for straining the bonds of affection; we will not refuse to consecrate more gays into the episcopate. And, we will not agree to stop the production of national rites or stop the blessing of gay marriages.
And, to add salt to the wound, the House voted no to reconsider A161, using the original language for the resolution printed in the Blue Book prior to Convention. That vote failed soundly. So Resolution 161 on the Election of Bishops – agreeing not to consecrate bishops in same-gender relationships until such a time as a new opinion emerges in the Communion is dead.
In the Hob, the Beisner confirmation came within an hour after it passed the HOD. The bishops engaged in no discussion on the confirmation, and then took a 15-minute break to sign their consents and have them counted. The Talley is: 168 yes. 21 no.
After the announcement of vote, he was brought into the chamber and given a standing ovation. Then seated at his table. And the HOB, either for reasons of cowardice or by intention, did not even discuss the unusual circumstances that Beisner brings with him.
His wife, Ann, is also a priest. At his reception, Beisner said, “I am aware that my confirmation is a matter of controversy and thank you for your gracious reception. I pledge to you as starting point that I will do everything in my power to work for the benefit of the Church that we all love so passionately. I hope to work with you all for God’s good purposes among us. Thank You.”
Now, there is one other option on this topic that is available to this Convention. Resolution A162: Public Rites of Blessing for Same-Sex Unions originates in the HOB. Since it was “blended” into A161 for the HOD, but they did not discharge A162, the HOB now has the ball in its court. I spoke briefly with the Rt. Rev. Ed Little, Bishop of Northern Indiana. He was on the Special Committee and the Legislative Committee. He said that the bishops involved in this process are working together to try and craft some type of response so that the Convention will address all of the parameters of the Windsor Report.
Pray! Pray without ceasing! Time is short and the news of the defeat has already traveled to London and Lagos. I am including in this evening’s post the picture of the Dallas pole, HOD: the only cross in the House of Deputies. Even the dais is a cross-free zone. Pray for this Church. Cherie Wetzel for Anglicans United and Latimer Press.
