The much anticipated hearing on the resolutions regarding our continuing as part of the Anglican Communion happened this evening in the ballroom of the Hyatt hotel, the largest meeting space in downtown Columbus, OH. The hotel had 1400 chairs on the main floor and another 150 chairs in the balcony. Every deputation to the House of Deputies was given 5 tickets, with preferred seating at the front of the hall. That would accommodate ½ of the deputation and the bishop. Each deputation had to choose who would go.
Press had a 50-seat area that was designated by readership size. Thankfully, I got a ticket. The “big boys” from the Associated Press and the New York Times are coming today, which made room for journalists from smaller publications last night.
By 7:00 before the doors opened, the entire third floor antechamber was filled and the stairs lined to the second floor. There was palpable excitement in the crowd. Most have been waiting for two years, since the release of the Windsor Report, to have a chance to express themselves. Yes, both Pro and Con.
By 7:30, every seat was filled and several hundred were in the antechamber with sound but no video. I have included several pages of verbatim comments from the hearing. To speak, you had to see the Administrative Secretary of the Commission and sign up. Over 100 people signed up and only 68 spoke last night. An additional hearing was held this morning at 7:00 AM for the remaining speakers.
Deputies, Bishops and laity spoke with clarity and great hope for their Church. There were no frivolous comments. I am including these comments so you can see the breath and depth of expression that is included in the Episcopal Church today. Every time I publish text like this, I worry that I am giving some the needed information to leave the Episcopal Church. That is not my intent. If you want to know where the mind of the Church is at this Convention, read on. May God have mercy on us all.
Members of the Commission:
Bishops:
Mark Sisk, NY Co-chair
Peter Lee , Bishop of VA
The Rt. Rev. Ned Little, N Indiana
Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of RI
Rob O’Neil, CO
Henry Louttit, GA
Dorsey Henderson, Upper South Carolina
Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Nevada
Priests:
Charlie Osberger Annapolis, MD
Ian Douglass, Episcopal Divinity School
Frances Wade, Seattle
Dan Martin, San Joaquin
Attorneys:
Michael Howell, Miami
Russell Palamore, Virginia
Blanca Lucia Echeverry, Dio of Columbia, S. America
Tim Mack, Dallas
Laity:
Rebecca Snow, Alaska
Christopher Wells, N. Indiana
Debby Melnyk, FL
Katherine Tyler Scott, Indianapolis
Sarah Breuer, Maryland
The hearing opened with comments by the Rt. Rev. Mark Sisk, Co-Chair. “This hearing is about the following resolutions: A161 election of bishops, A162 public rites of blessing for same-sex unions, A160 expression of regret and A163 Depo and Alternate Episcopal Oversight. You may not speak to any other resolution. There will be a 2 min time limit for all speakers. There will be no demonstrations or applause.”
The Rev. Sandye Wilson, Newark, Chaplain to the Commission, then opened with prayer: ”Let us center ourselves in God’s presence and bow. “Come Holy Spirit, come. Come Holy Spirit, come. Renew the face of the earth and the heart of your church. Listen with hearts and spirits this night to discern the mind of Christ. “
The Speakers:
Zoe lay deputy, CO. Opposition to all resolutions. In favor of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit spoke in 2000 in Denver and 2003 in Minneapolis. The resolutions you have written are a compromise of the power of HS.
Ann: clergy deputy,VT: re:A162 In 2003, my partner Lee and I went home from General Convention to be part of a new thing: legal marriage for same gender couples in the state of Vermont. I carry our license with me. There are those like us who live in committed relationships and wanted to share it with our faith community. We got that with our bishop. The service was not from the Book of Common Prayer, but was a private set of prayers and blessings. Liturgical resources available for clergy are good and well received. But they are not the same a those printed in the Book of Common Prayer. Why are we delaying this? We have the opportunity to be witnesses to the world and act from theology of abundance. We need Rites for same gender marriages now.
The Rt. Rev. Tom Healy, VT: In the classical Anglican expressions of compromise, resolution CO51 [General Convention 2003: refrain from writing common liturgy for blessing same-sex marriages] approved restraint of common form for blessing same gender marriages but acknowledge that they are happening anyway. A162 risks moving us away from that place of common prayer. “Of private” is the problem, blessing two persons regardless of gender is a pastoral matter but not private; it is a public expression of their love and commitment to each other. Now is not the time to embrace either/or but time for both/and.
The Rev. Dr. Kendall Harmon, clergy deputy, SC A161 Where is the clarity and where is the honesty? Windsor Report (WR) uses clear language. For some reason you don’t take the specific language of WR enough to use it in the resolutions. Moratoria = stop. Their time frame is long time from now; this is a serious situation with Anglican Communion has given specific pleas to create the reconciliation. Be honest. Either say no we don’t do what you say and go our own way. Or yes, we will comply with your requests. Lets be honest; lets be clear.
Jack, deputy CO re:162: both unnecessary and unhelpful. Calls for delay in crafting public rites. We have not approved same sex rights and have not taken preliminary steps to do so. To pass this, send message to thousands of Episcopalians that revere “To set out hope on Christ.” This will be unhelpful. Seeking evangelism with Gen X’ers who count gays and lesbians as their equals and want them fully included. It sends a bad message and an unnecessary one.
Michael Hopkins, visitor Rochester, NY [and former President Integrity]. WR is asking us and interpreting in very specific ways. We must speak in the same way as the report. We need each other and the alternative voices. Do not support A160 and expression of regret. We did not create this problem. We have been in a state of broken communion since we started ordaining women in 1976. Then we were promised a full conversation on gay and lesbian inclusion in the church and communion.
Sarah, lay deputy MD: Honored to serve on the committee. Report issued unanimously. All found grace and peace in them. Not an accident. Not politics as usual. Generous. Letter on internet last week, crowing that there were 7 conservative votes and 5 liberal votes and 7 swing votes on this committee, bringing the sphere of politics into what was a very spiritual experience. Now we will have to oppose these resolutions as a matter of conscience. Any resolution that is less generous to gay people will push and make them our enemies and break fellowship.
Ellen lay deputy, Albany: commend the report. I want to speak about the men that wrote WR. They have intelligence and wit. They read our language carefully, what we say and the way that we say it. What are we willing to live? If we want to change our direction and genuinely regret what we have done, we must choose that and say so. If it is the mind not to do so, say so, openly, honestly and sincerely. Walk forward where we see ourselves led; together or apart but honestly.
Frank, visitor TN: NT Wrights’ statement today about A162 highlights the intent and purpose of WR. Which can be decided locally and which need to be decided by the whole church? We say it will be decided locally. Michael and Ted Cambridge MA had a friend lead civil union and then the rector led religious ceremony. This is happening across our country. Let’s not be dishonest and pretend that it isn’t.
Kay, lay deputy, Springfield. Opposition to 161: use “opposition” not “considerable restraint” to the bishop whose life will lead to further strain in the Anglican communion.
Chris clergy deputy FT Worth: 160 re: regret. We are sad that they were upset. We need to be clear on that and present to this convention a resolution that is clear; not a failure to consult but a to heed the clear warning issued.
Mary, visitor Newark: My parish does the fullest honoring of gay and lesbian people. Every week in Sunday School, we heard stories of people different from them and taught them the truth . So did our children. My daughter asked if she was a lesbian when she was 7. She learned this at church and this is a good thing. A gay couple is “those least among us.”
Jack, clergy deputy Montana: I call for Moratoria on all bishop elections and consecrations until after 2009. If we can’t elect and consecrate who we want without offending someone in some other distant place, don’t consecrate anyone until we can.
Susan, lay deputy, Montana” WR says we were and are thoughtless, reckless and belligerent. Same sex blessings were breaching the bonds. The actions of General Convention 2003 were not arrogance but were the compelling adjuration of the HS. Regret? That will be turning our back on the Holy Spirit, which blasphemes the Holy Spirit which is an unpardonable sin. We must call for inclusivity in the name of Christ.
[At this point, Gene Robinson entered the ballroom with his bodyguard, after he was named in the next group of speakers. Applause broke out and the chair had a difficult time getting the crowd to settle down. Robinson always has a bodyguard with him.]
Lydia, lay deputy, S Carolina re:162 We expressly denied that such rites were authorized. What we cannot deny is the increased use and accessibility of rites for blessing same-sex unions. This is dishonest. Pointless. If we don’t mean what we say, there is no honesty. Let us keep our word.
Don , lay deputy, Central Fl: General thanks to committee. Future of our denomination is in our hands. Ask yourselves what the WR asks us to do as a denomination. As you form resolutions do they bring us closer or farther in walking with the Anglican Communion. A 950’ bridge will not span a 1000 ft chasm. “Don’t pea on my leg and tell me its raining,” to quote Judge Judy. We can’t have the outcome on our own terms of hubris wrapped in denial.
Robert, lay deputy, San Joachim: I am a simple gospel guy. Regret doesn’t seem to get it. We’re sorry you’re hurt but we didn’t do anything wrong. Look at the authority of scripture. What does scripture say about itself? Psalm 119, Hebrews 3:14, a warning, and 2Thessalonians told not to depart from God’s word and hold fast to the gospel. Uphold scriptures was written, right? If yes. That means one thing if not. Then another.
Rector, Cathedral Center of St. Paul, Los Angeles: I wish to speak with you about resolution D303 from the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, Los Angeles. This is our resolution and it must be included in your document. Reject repent or regret. No repent or regret on ordination of women. Do repent of institutional prejudice. Called to speak now before any one else suffers if we remain silent. Our amendment of life is to stand with the oppressed. My parish paid for me to come and observe how you handle all of these issues with the WR. I beg you, do not sell us out.
Bob Duncan, Bishop, Pittsburgh: Thank for work you’ve done. NT Wright, bishop of Durham, released a paper yesterday about our pending response to the WR. There is a plethora of material, etc that can detract attention from the simple question - will we comply with WR or not? Only one answer is possible. If these resolutions are passed, ECUSA has decided not to comply with Windsor. If they are not amended and with sadness and uncertainty about our future, they (the rest of the Communion) will conclude that we have decided to walk apart. Those of us who chose the Episcopal Church much earlier in our lives will have difficult choices to make. We find ourselves at a moment where it is impossible to get together on many of these issues.
Gene Robinson, bishop of NH: I am bishop of New Hampshire. This debate is about one thing. Do we recognize the light of Christ and mark of the creator in the faces of gay and lesbian people in our churches? They happen to be gay. Do we see Christ in them and in their lives and relationships? If we do, what then? This is not about saving the Anglican Communion. Do not be unduly swayed by fear. Those are their decisions to make. We must discern Christ and speak to it. We know such faithful gays and lesbians. The gay agenda is Jesus Christ. I am convinced I am not an abomination in the eyes of God but a beloved child. Able to stand before him. Before, this church has lacked the moral courage to stand up for what is right. We must say our prayers and stand up for what is right.
Martyn Mimms, clergy visitor, VA: I support WR. [Canon Mimms then told a wonderful story of John and Mary, who entered into a traditional marriage and over time, John wanted to redefine their marriage. The story was so perfectly written, incorporating all of the language of the Windsor Report. I will try and get it from Canon Mimms and reprint it for you.]
David Roseberry, clergy visitor, Dallas: Remember the cell phone commercial with hundreds of people standing behind him enabling his communication around the country? Last month, for three weeks, I ran an Online petition: WE ask the Church to stop consecration of practicing homosexuals; stop blessing same-sex marriages and embrace WR as road map and ask to turn focus of Church to reaching the lost for the sake of Christ. In three weeks, 1064 priests signed the petition with 22,490 yrs of service. These priests represent the largest Episcopal churches in the United States and represent nearly 80% of the people that are in church every Sunday. Can you hear me now?
Doug Theuner, retired Bishop of New Hampshire: Your working tog puts Bob Duncan’s line that this is impossible as a lie. You have proven that you can. What are we apologizing for? Not for failing to consult, because there is no mandate to consult. We did fail to respect and demonstrate concern. IF you have a contact overseas, call them and tell them what we did and why we did it.
Susan Russell, clergy visitor, President of Integrity. And Claim the Blessing: Opinion of Bishop of Durham [the Rt. Rev. N. T. Wright] WR issues not ultimatum but invitations. WR was crafted without the assistance of any gay, lesbian, transsexual or transgendered people. Their voices must be heard. This is not a deal or no deal moment. Allow resolution 159 to stand as our best offering and discharge the other resolutions before us tonight.
Lionel, clergy deputy, Pittsburgh: I am responding for the past 3 years. We have refused to say who we are and what we really believe. There is no simple way to respond to WR. We are accountable to our sister churches. That accountability must be mutual. We are scandalized by the actions of other dioceses within ECUSA. That has made it much harder for us to be the church we were before 2003.
Guido Verbeck, clergy deputy from W Louisiana: I want this Convention to enter a “no fudge zone”. People’s hearts are broken as their church is torn apart. Justice demands truth. But we (ECUSA) are known as the masters of fudge. What does that say about us? Be very clear in the words that you write and the explanations. If we stop short of WR, we must tell the world we will go this far and no farther.
As the room cleared at 10:05, the remaining 1000 people filled the corridors and streets. We had taken the time to listen to many voices and it was not hard to sort out the general tone of the conversation. I would say that everyone wants a frank and honest statement of what we, as a body, are willing to commit to. The proponents of the gay agenda want a solid statement as much as the orthodox do. Everyone wants to “get on with it” and be done with this topic and the years of indecision. If we are not to go forward with the Anglican Communion, say so now! Do not keep us in limbo for another 3-6 years. More tonight on today’s order of business in the Houses of Deputies and Bishops. Cherie Wetzel for Anglicans United & Latimer Press
