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Just wondering.
From the San Diego Union-Tribune [boldface mine]:
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego took another step toward the full acceptance of gays with the ordination of its first openly gay deacon.
San Diego Episcopal Bishop James Mathes downplayed the sexual orientation of a newly ordained deacon.
During a month in which thousands of same-sex couples were able to marry in California, Thomas Wilson was ordained to the transitional diaconate by San Diego Bishop James Mathes at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral. Wilson, who moved to San Diego eight years ago with his partner of 20 years, is expected to serve as a deacon for six months to a year before becoming a priest, Mathes said.
Yet the bishop downplayed the significance of Wilson's sexual orientation.
Mathes said he was not aware that a press release had been sent by the diocese with the headline: “Openly Gay, Partnered Deacon Ordained! First One in This Diocese Ever!”
“The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego calls and ordains gifted people,” Mathes said. “That's all this is.”
Wilson, 59, also downplayed the significance of his ordination. . .
From the Diocese of Pittsburgh, 2008 diocesan convention resolutions:
Resolutions to be Forwarded to the 143rd Diocesan Convention
Deemed in proper form by Diocesan Council
RESOLUTION ONE
New Canon I (All subsequent Canons to be Renumbered Accordingly)
Provincial Membership within the Anglican Communion
The Diocese of Pittsburgh shall be a member of that Province of the Anglican Communion known as the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone.
RESOLUTION TWO
WHEREAS, Diocesan Provincial Realignment is a matter to be considered by the 143rd Annual Convention in the form of a second reading of a series of Constitutional changes; and
WHEREAS, a new Canon I establishing Provincial alignment with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone is also proposed; and
WHEREAS, the decision of Convention takes effect immediately, and supersedes all local existing provisions to the contrary; and
WHEREAS, many congregations will have to consider how to alter their By-Laws and/or Articles of Incorporation should the constitutional changes and new Canon I be adopted; and
WHEREAS, some congregations will require a season of discernment about whether to accept re-alignment or to petition to break their union with Convention; and
WHEREAS, charity and generosity continue to be embraced as virtues in diocesan life where matters of fidelity and direction profoundly divide us;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by this 143rd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, that all parishes of the diocese shall have twenty-four months to bring their By-Laws and/or Articles of Incorporation into conformity with the Provincial alignment adopted by this Convention; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Diocesan Council shall have the authority to lengthen the discernment period on a parish by parish basis, as shall seem wisest to Council and to the representatives of particular parishes; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that negotiation between any parish seeking to break its union with Convention over the matter of Provincial alignment shall be undertaken with Christian grace and charity, and conducted in good faith, consistent with the Constitutions and Canons of the Diocese, consistent with all legal obligations, and consistent with the settlement of debts and other diocesan interests related to the parish property or assets.
RESOLUTION THREE
WHEREAS, the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (the “Diocese”) has this day voted to realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone of America (“Province of the Southern Cone”); and
WHEREAS, as a consequence of such realignment the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America otherwise known as The Episcopal Church are no longer applicable to the Diocese, any Parish of the Diocese, or any Clergy of the Diocese; and
WHEREAS, neither the Constitution and Canons of the Province of the Southern Cone nor the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese address certain matters of administration, discipline and order that would benefit from a written and publicly available set of policies;
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church be adopted as advisory policies, until a more comprehensive set of Constitution and Canons can be developed and approved by the Diocese, to provide guidance in those areas of administration, discipline and order that are not otherwise covered by the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, for the avoidance of doubt that it be understood that the adoption of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church as advisory policies by the Diocese should in no way be interpreted to suggest that The Episcopal Church has any authority over the Diocese, any Parish of the Diocese, or any Clergy of the Diocese.
From the Lodi News-Sentinel:
Pledging unity and inclusiveness to all of God's people, the Episcopal Church's San Joaquin Diocese elected Jerry Lamb as provisional bishop at a special convention Saturday before a crowd of about 300 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lodi.
Lamb replaces John-David Schofield, the controversial conservative bishop who was deposed on March 12 by national church leaders, who ruled that he had "abandoned" his post as bishop. Due to a disagreement in biblical interpretation of homosexuality, Schofield took the diocese out of Episcopal Church USA and moved to the more conservative Southern Cone province of the Anglican Church based in Argentina. . .
The change in leadership means that St. John's, who is looking for a priest to replace Father Rick Matters, who left the Lodi parish in May 2007 for a church in Carmel, has the flexibility for the first time to appoint a woman as its priest.
In addition to opposing gays as priests and bishops in the Episcopal Church, Schofield forbid women from serving as priests in his diocese. Lamb supports woman priests. As for gays entering the priesthood, it will be a conversation that clergy and church members will need to have before a decision is made, Lamb said.
"At least these for these people in the diocese, we can talk about it," said John Ledbetter, senior warden at St. John's. "At least we can have an intelligent adult conversation.". . .
From Surrounded, website of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin [boldface mine]:
This text was handed to the person identified as the Secretary of Convention for inclusion in the minutes of the Meeting. The person identified as Parliamentarian (and Chancellor) ruled that it could not be included except by approved Motion from the floor of the Meeting.
To be consistent with our position of not acting in any legal fashion at the meeting, we chose not to do so, nor to ask anyone else to do our work for us. We knew that some of the proceedings were being recorded and there would be the potential of some sort of media posting of the protest. We therefore chose to exhibit the complete prepared text of the protest here on Surrounded. In posting, a few grammatical errors have been corrected from the hand-written text used at the microphone, as well as, in two places, a one or two-word edit of a phrase where the meaning was not immediately clear.
Presented as a point of personal priviledge before the Special Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin held Saturday, March 29, 2008 in Lodi, California, at approximately 10 am.
St. John Parish, Tulare – Protest/Objection Statement #1
Read by George Sutton:
We greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ.
We are here at this proceeding by choice to be considered as Episcopalians and a part of this Diocese voluntarily signing our allegiance as Episcopalians.
The signing of the allegiance as Episcopalians prior to any Episcopal Convention is an unwarranted and unprecedented act especially for already certified delegates from an Episcopal Congregation or Diocese.
Nevertheless, we have come to publicly state our place in this Diocese and because we do have a place, we object and protest the canonical legality of this meeting as an official legislative convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.
We will not be casting any votes for any measure or resolution presented at this meeting.
By direction of the Canons only the ecclesiastical authority of a diocese can call a special convention if there is no Bishop. That responsibility falls to the Standing Committee as per Title 3, Canon 13. The Standing Committee has not called this special convention. Therefore, it would be our understanding that any decision made today on behalf of the Diocese cannot be implemented because they are null and void.
Read by Gillian Busch:
Beyond the issues we have just raised concerning canonical status of this meeting, we are also very concerned about a precedent of “non-inclusion” set by the Steering Committee. It came to our attention, by un-official notice, that a Steering Committee for the re-organization of the Diocese would be established. In that notice, it was stated that a Steering Committee would be composed of one (1) priest and one (1) lay person from each congregation that chose not to leave the Episcopal Church.
St. John Parish, in Tulare, a Parish in good standing, never having left the Episcopal Church was not included in the Steering Committee process.
As a result, a clear voice for a canonically compliant path for the Diocese was not followed.
George Sutton, Elected Delegate from Parish Annual Meetings (1/07 and 1/08, respectively)
to 2007 Diocesan Convention (held 12/07)
and 2008 Diocesan Convention (canonically scheduled for 10/08)
Senior Warden
St. John Parish, Tulare
Gillian P. Busch, Elected Delegate from Parish Annual Meetings (1/07 and 1/08, respectively)
to 2007 Diocesan Convention (held 12/07)
and 2008 Diocesan Convention (canonically scheduled for 10/08)
Vestry Member
St. John Parish, Tulare
The Rev. Robert G. Eaton, Clergy Delegate by Canonical Residency
Rector
St. John Parish, Tulare
From Peter Ould:
Huh? Like we care?
Well actually yes we do. There is a new Diocese of San Joaquin website to rival the proper one. The new one has been setup to give details of the Special Convention that is going to be held to reconstitute the Diocese.
Once i got past the hilarity that is the agenda for the convention, an agenda that tells you exactly who will be nominated for which post, who you will ratify and gives no space at all for nominations from the floor - even the delegates to the 2009 GC have already been decided (ain’t democracy in TEC wonderful? It’s great to justify the election of unholy Bishops but let’s not let it get in the way of manipulating meetings), I wondered who had registered the website. Seeing as it is in San Joaquin, it would obviously have been registered and built by someone in the Diocese, a member of the faithful remnant, one who was willing to do the work so that the Diocese could continue?
As if. . .
From The Living Church:
Delegates to the convention of the Diocese of San Diego approved all 11 resolutions introduced, including one calling on the 76th General Convention to “end the officially sanctioned affiliation of The Episcopal Church with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice” (RCRC). Convention met Feb. 8-9 at St. Margaret’s Church, Palm Desert, Calif.
The RCRC resolution was a substitute for the original which called on the diocese to dissociate from a decision made by Executive Council in January 2006 to join the RCRC on behalf of The Episcopal Church. During hearings about the resolution, a consensus emerged among some who had procedural concerns about the way the decision to join the RCRC was made as well as those delegates opposed to abortion.
Convention also adopted a resolution that urges the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, Bishop of San Diego, to appoint “a theologically diverse task force of clergy and lay people reflective of the diocese, to study holiness in relationships and blessings in churches” and to prepare an academic paper on the subject for presentation during convention next year. An explanation supporting the resolution stated that much of the current conflict in The Episcopal Church concerns “the issue of holiness in relationships” and that a “listening process” was essential before “engaging in any action on the matter.”. . .
Okay, we’ve been through the convention agenda (Part I), changes to resolution 08-07 (Part II), and the rest of the resolutions (Part III). This final post will be on my overall impressions of the San Diego diocesan convention.
Check out Part I and Part II.
Also, an FYI - the EpiscopalLife Online report about the San Diego convention is incorrect. It does not reflect the language of the substitute amendment for Resolution 08-07 (on the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice) that was actually adopted. The reporter (?) just picked up original language from the printed material and didn't bother to check the facts.
Okay, I’ve covered Resolution 08-07, The Episcopal Church and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice in Part II. Now to the rest of the resolutions (there were 11 total, and all were adopted by convention).
Resolutions 07-01 and 08-01 through 08-05 were housekeeping, language resolutions that brought diocesan language into conformity with national canons or cleaned up redundant wording.
The only laugh came when Resolution 08-03 was up for consideration. Part of that resolution dealt with budget issues and the original wording said:
The Diocesan Council shall submit to each Annual Convention a budget for all the work and ministry of the Diocese.
give a minimum of 0.7% of the annual diocesan budget to fund ministries that contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals
encouraged to contact [our] elected representatives urging them to support the United States’ government’s fulfillment of its commitment to funding international development aid at 0.7% of U.S. GNP
Be It Resolved, that the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego is urged to appoint a theologically diverse Task Force of clergy and lay people reflective of the Diocese, to study Holiness in Relationships and Blessings in Churches of this Diocese from the perspectives of holy scripture, church history and tradition; practical, pastoral and sacramental theology; and the movement of the Holy Spirit; and then prepare an academic paper on the subject to be presented to the 2009 Convention of the Diocese of San Diego, with additional recommendations as that Task Force might deem appropriate.
Whereas engaging in such a listening process is a fundamental step before engaging in any action on the matter
persons in the Episcopal Church (gay and lesbian, seniors and others constrained by financial concerns) who are in committed monogamous relationships who wish to have their relationships blessed in the church by a clergy person [another of the whereas's]
Update: Check out Part I here.
I also want to thank Fr. Andrew Green, St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs, who was instrumental in writing language that all could agree to, and Fr. Tom Phillips, interim rector at St. Dunstan's San Diego, who offered much appreciated clergy support.
Original: So now we come to the resolution that I wrote and the St. Michael's vestry (my parish) sponsored - Resolution 08-07 on the Episcopal Church and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. I want to thank everyone very much for their prayers, and special thanks to my rector, Fr. Neal Moquin, and senior warden, Greg Gleason, for their support on this.
My original resolution was (this is just the Resolved part that would be voted on - I've left off here the "whereas"s and explanation since those are not official):
RESOLVED that the 2008 Convention of the Diocese of San Diego (34th Annual Diocesan Convention) dissociates our Diocese from that action of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church which affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and from any participation in or support of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Resolved: The 34th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego requests that the 76th General Convention meeting in Anaheim, California, end the officially sanctioned affiliation of the Episcopal Church with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Explanation: The Episcopal Church has a clear position on abortion articulated in General Convention resolutions in 1988, 1994, and 1997. However the decision to officially sanction affiliation with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice was made by the Executive Council. The Episcopal Church is the only denomination so affiliated. This resolution directs the General Convention in 2009 to study, discuss, debate, and decide if our affiliation is appropriate.
Okay, I’m just back from convention, held at St. Margaret's in Palm Desert.
Actually, the whole family went with me to Palm Desert. Saturday, while I was in meetings, they were riding in the 10th Annual Tour de Palm Springs, a very fun bike ride.
They then relaxed by the pool.
They, however, failed to check with me on their purchases and both bought Crocs (more on this in this week’s Shoe Thursday – that is, if I dare to ever post on shoes again now that my own family has succumbed to Croc mania)!
The diocesan convention started Friday afternoon with workshops on various churchy things and resolution hearings. We then had the first ballot voting early Friday evening. After that, there was a dinner with Bishop Curry of North Carolina speaking. I didn’t go to the dinner (I wanted to get in some pool time), but I heard from others that Bishop Curry gave a very good, lively, and inspiring keynote address.
Saturday morning we met for Eucharist and then proceeded on to convention business with the second ballot round. A break for another round of workshops and resolution hearings, then lunch, then a third ballot vote was needed to finish up the election of General Convention delegates. After that, ministry reports, the convention address by Bishop Mathes, financial reports, and then (finally!) the introduction and voting on the resolutions.
More on these later. . .but for now, let's just say I didn't get what I wanted on my resolution but got as much as I thought I could - and I got something.
Check out Part II here.
So tomorrow I'm off to the diocesan convention for San Diego, this year to be held at St. Margaret's, Palm Desert. I'm an alternate delegate, but will play a "real" one tomorrow evening for the first ballot since some of our delegation won't be able to make it until Saturday morning.
The convention agenda is as follows:
Friday, February 8th
Noon - 5:00 p.m. Registration
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Workshops and Hearings: Session I
4:15 - 5:30 p.m. Convention Convenes: Business and First Ballot
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Move to the Esmerelda for Reception, Dinner and Keynote Address by Bishop Curry (Diocese of North Carolina)
Saturday, February 9th
8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Registration
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Convention Eucharist
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Convention Re-Convenes - Business and Second Ballot
11:15 - 12:15 p.m. Workshops & Hearings - Session II
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 - 4:30 p.m. Convention Business Session - Third Ballot & Bishop's Address
I will be presenting information during the both workshop sessions (Friday and Saturday) on Resolution 08-07, Resolution Regarding The Episcopal Church and The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church by official action on January 12, 2006, formally affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church in the United States with the “Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice,” formerly known as the “Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights,” which is an organization which actively promotes abortion on demand for any reason for all nine months of pregnancy and
WHEREAS we believe the goals and principles of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) as stated on their Website conflict with biblical theology related to the sanctity of human life, and
WHEREAS the 75th General Convention of 2006 was denied the opportunity to make any vote concerning the continued membership of The Episcopal Church in the RCRC
therefore be it
RESOLVED that the 2008 Convention of the Diocese of San Diego (34th Annual Diocesan Convention) dissociates our Diocese from that action of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church which affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and from any participation in or support of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTION:
In January, 2006, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church formally affiliated with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. The Episcopal Church as a whole has never had the opportunity to vote on this affiliation. At our February 2006 convention, the Diocese of San Diego passed a resolution requesting that this affiliation be voted on at General Convention 2006 since membership in an organization which supports abortion affects TEC as a whole and each member by association.
All resolutions relating to RCRC membership died in committee and none were presented to General Convention for vote. In light of this, as well as published statements by the RCRC which contradict the Book of Common Prayer and General Convention resolutions regarding abortion, we would request that the Diocese of San Diego disassociate itself from the decision of the Executive Council to affiliate with the RCRC and also not participate in or support, financially or otherwise, the RCRC.
Just a reminder that the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is having their annual convention this weekend, Feb. 8-9. Bishop Curry of North Carolina is to be the keynote speaker Friday night.
Resolutions can be found here. Please pray that Resolution 08-07 passes:
Resolution Regarding The Episcopal Church and The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Proposed By: St. Michael’s by-the-Sea vestry
WHEREAS the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church by official action on January 12, 2006, formally affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church in the United States with the “Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice,” formerly known as the “Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights,” which is an organization which actively promotes abortion on demand for any reason for all nine months of pregnancy and
WHEREAS we believe the goals and principles of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) as stated on their Website conflict with biblical theology related to the sanctity of human life, and
WHEREAS the 75th General Convention of 2006 was denied the opportunity to make any vote concerning the continued membership of The Episcopal Church in the RCRC
therefore be it
RESOLVED that the 2008 Convention of the Diocese of San Diego (34th Annual Diocesan Convention) dissociates our Diocese from that action of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church which affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and from any participation in or support of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTION:
In January, 2006, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church formally affiliated with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. The Episcopal Church as a whole has never had the opportunity to vote on this affiliation. At our February 2006 convention, the Diocese of San Diego passed a resolution requesting that this affiliation be voted on at General Convention 2006 since membership in an organization which supports abortion affects TEC as a whole and each member by association.
All resolutions relating to RCRC membership died in committee and none were presented to General Convention for vote. In light of this, as well as published statements by the RCRC which contradict the Book of Common Prayer and General Convention resolutions regarding abortion, we would request that the Diocese of San Diego disassociate itself from the decision of the Executive Council to affiliate with the RCRC and also not participate in or support, financially or otherwise, the RCRC.
Be It Resolved, that the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego is urged to appoint a theologically diverse Task Force of clergy and lay people reflective of the Diocese, to study Holiness in Relationships and Blessings in Churches of this Diocese from the perspectives of holy scripture, church history and tradition; practical, pastoral and sacramental theology; and the movement of the Holy Spirit; and then prepare an academic paper on the subject to be presented to the 2009 Convention of the Diocese of San Diego, with additional recommendations as that Task Force might deem appropriate.
EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTION:
Whereas much of the conflict in the Episcopal Church concerns the issue of holiness in relationships, and
Whereas the Order for Marriage found in the Book of Common Prayer states that Christian marriage is between a man and a woman, and
Whereas, there are persons in the Episcopal Church (gay and lesbian, seniors and others constrained by financial concerns) who are in committed, monogamous relationships who wish to have their relationships blessed in the church by a clergy person, and
Whereas there are persons in the church, who because of their understanding of scripture and what constitutes a faithful life are opposed to such blessings occurring in the church, and
Whereas liturgical practices surrounding the blessing of unions are not consistent throughout the greater church, and
Whereas the House of Bishops in their September 25, 2007 response to “questions and concerns raised by our Anglican Communion partners,” noted that the 1998 Lambeth Conference called on provinces of the Anglican Communion to engage in a “listening process” designed to bring all Anglicans fully into the Church’s conversation about human sexuality and holy relationships, and
Whereas engaging in such a listening process is a fundamental step before engaging in any action on the matter.
From Surrounded, the weblog of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, a response to Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori from the Standing Committee (the presiding bishop's letter is here) [boldface mine]:
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Office of the Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church Center
New York City, New York
Friday, February 01, 2008
We have received your letter dated January 25 in which you state that you do not recognize us individually as members of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of San Joaquin. We find your statements, published by ENS on the internet and read in Hanford prior to most of us receiving the actual letter, to be unhelpful. While you may hold any personal opinion you wish as an individual, the office of Presiding Bishop does not have the legal, canonical or moral authority to proclaim for the Episcopal Church non-recognition of duly elected members of a diocesan Standing Committee. Without having any canonical or constitutional authority to refuse to recognize us, we cannot accept your opinion as changing our status as the canonical Standing Committee of the Diocese.
We regret that you have based your “understanding” on conjecture and misinformation. Since you do not provide any evidence of specific acts of the Standing Committee, nor proof of any wrong doing, we are unable to comment in detail on acts or events you may have relied upon to form your “understanding”. We regret you didn’t attempt to confirm your understanding with the President of our Standing Committee when you called him on January 9th, or on any other occasion.
You cite Canon I.17.8 as setting a standard of duty for anyone in elected position in The Episcopal Church, however neither this canon nor any other canon gives the office of Presiding Bishop [or any other person] sole privilege to interpret what constitutes a failure to “well and faithfully perform the duties” of any office. If the interpretation of failure to “well and faithfully perform the duties” of office is open to anyone, a cursory look at your performance in office would be cause for a great number of Episcopalians to find that you “have been and are unable to well and faithfully fulfill your duties as” Presiding Bishop. To name just a few of your canonical violations:
- Ordination of the Bishop of Virginia without the specific written consents from a majority of Standing Committees as required in Canon III.11.4.b;
- Your intentional withholding [from May ’07 to January ‘08] of notification and failure to bring before the House of Bishop’s meeting in September 2007 the abandonment of communion finding of the Title IV review committee against Bishop Cox as required in Canon IV.9.2;
- Your stated intent to delay consideration of the abandonment of communion finding of the Title IV review committee against Bishop Duncan past the March 2008 meeting of the House of Bishop’s [including your intentional withholding of notification from December 16, ’07 to January 15, ‘08] again in violation of the requirements of Canon IV.9.2.
- Establishing a missionary congregation in Bakersfield and appointing a priest who is not canonically resident to be under the supervision of Canon Moore and under your authority in violation of Canon I.13.2b and Canon III.9.6
With this evidence of your willful disobedience to the requirements of Canon, many Episcopalians could, using your own words, state they “do not recognize you as” the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. And of course, in the spirit of reconciliation, we would encourage you to be aware a “future declaration of adherence to the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and a reaffirmation of the Declaration of Conformity, will once again make you eligible for election to office in the Episcopal Church.”
We regret the decisions you have made to misuse the Canons of The Episcopal Church. We acknowledge your personal opinion of our status as members of the Standing Committee for the Diocese of San Joaquin. In accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, we ARE the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of San Joaquin in the event the House of Bishops should choose to depose Bishop John-David Schofield. Any attempt on your part, or on the part of any other person, to circumvent or replace the Standing Committee as the Ecclesiastical Authority will be a violation of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church.
J. Snell
M. McClenaghan
R. Eaton
K. Robinson
T. Wright
R. James
From the Living Church:
The Diocese of Central Florida is “poised for a new round of significant growth,” after three months of tense negotiations with clergy and lay leadership from nine congregations seeking to leave The Episcopal Church, according to Bishop John W. Howe.
At the conclusion of the diocesan convention Jan. 25-26 at St. James’ Church, Ormond Beach, Bishop Howe told a reporter for The Living Church that though exhausted, he was pleased with the negotiations.
“We are on the best of terms with all those leaving,” he said. “And we are committed to rebuilding where there have been losses.”
In his address to convention, Bishop Howe said the last three months had been the worst period of his life. However, amicable solutions had been reached with the members of the eight congregations who sought to withdraw from the diocese.
“There are those who simply have to leave The Episcopal Church for conscience sake,” he said. “I understand that. I don’t agree, but I don’t believe we should punish them. We shouldn’t sue them. We shouldn’t depose the clergy. Our brokenness is a tragedy. The litigation that is going on in so many places is a travesty. And although some seem to be trying to do so, I don’t think you can hold a church together by taking everybody you disagree with to court.”. . .
From Kevin Kallsen at AnglicanTV:
If you would like to purchase pictures for publication please email anglicantv@gmail.com -- http://picasaweb.google.com/AnglicanTV/ConsecrationOfBpMarkLawrence
From Episcopal News Online [boldface mine]:
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on January 25 wrote to inform each member of the standing committee elected at the last convention of the Fresno-based Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin that she does not recognize them as the standing committee of that diocese. She also assured continuing Episcopalians of financial and legal support in reconstituting the diocese.
Jefferts Schori, in a letter delivered January 26 to the committee's eight members, cited their unanimous vote to disaffiliate with The Episcopal Church (TEC) and their "attempt to organize as the standing committee of an entity that identifies itself as an Anglican Diocese of the Province of the Southern Cone," actions which violate church canons.
"In light of your recent actions, I find that you have been and are unable to well and faithfully fulfill your duties as members of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin under Canon I.17.8," she wrote. Canon I.17.8 provides that anyone accepting an office in the church "shall well and faithfully perform the duties of that office in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of this Church and of the Diocese in which the office is being exercised."
"Accordingly, with this letter I inform you that I do not recognize you as the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin," she wrote. "I regret the decisions that you have made to attempt to take the Diocese out of The Episcopal Church and the necessary consequences of these actions." The letter was delivered by overnight mail the day of "Moving Forward, Welcoming All" a gathering of faithful Episcopalians at the Church of the Saviour in Hanford, about 30 miles south of Fresno. . .
"The Presiding Bishop has asked for the formulation of a broad based steering committee on the local level who will work with her and her Office in a variety of ways, including working with her on a process for the calling of a special convention," said the Rev. Dr. Charles Robertson, canon to the Presiding Bishop.
"This convention will, among other things, elect a new Standing Committee and make provision for an interim Bishop. It is unclear when the special convention will be called," Robertson said. . .
Unconfirmed reports also surfaced earlier in the week on various websites that Schofield has fired six of the eight standing committee members who had supported the convention vote, but were beginning to question realignment with the Southern Cone. Because of those doubts, Schofield allegedly had determined they were no longer able to serve.
Jefferts Schori held out the possibility of reconciliation to standing committee members. "A future declaration of adherence to the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, and, for clergy, a reaffirmation of the Declaration of Conformity, will once again make you eligible for election to office in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin," she said in the letter to standing committee members. "I give thanks for your service in the past, and pray that it may once again be a blessing to this Diocese."
Wonderful news! From TitusOneNine:
Resolution Passed by South Carolina Diocesan Convention Today
Resolution:
Be it resolved that the 217th Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina dissociates itself from the affiliation of The Episcopal Church (TEC) with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC).
Explanation:
On the 12th of January 2006, the Executive Committee of The Episcopal Church voted to formalize the relationship between The Episcopal Church and the RCRC, a registered political lobby, which advocates for unlimited abortion rights in the political realm. The literature and website of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice reveal that it advocates positions specifically at odds with those of the Episcopal Church as expressed by a resolution of the 1994 General Convention declaring that, “As Christians, we believe strongly that if [the right to abortion] is exercised, it should be used only in extreme situations. We emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection, or any reason of mere convenience.” Further on this the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, it must be noted that this affiliation represents yet another divergence from the normative moral teaching of Catholic Christianity.
RESOLUTION 08-07
THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO
34th ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION, February 8 & 9, 2008
Title: Resolution Regarding The Episcopal Church and The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Proposed By: St. Michael’s by-the-Sea vestry
Date: November 28, 2007
WHEREAS the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church by official action on January 12, 2006, formally affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church in the United States with the “Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice,” formerly known as the “Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights,” which is an organization which actively promotes abortion on demand for any reason for all nine months of pregnancy and
WHEREAS we believe the goals and principles of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) as stated on their Website conflict with biblical theology related to the sanctity of human life, and
WHEREAS the 75th General Convention of 2006 was denied the opportunity to make any vote concerning the continued membership of The Episcopal Church in the RCRC
therefore be it
RESOLVED that the 2008 Convention of the Diocese of San Diego (34th Annual Diocesan Convention) dissociates our Diocese from that action of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church which affirmed the affiliation of the Episcopal Church with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and from any participation in or support of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTION:
In January, 2006, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church formally affiliated with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. The Episcopal Church as a whole has never had the opportunity to vote on this affiliation. At our February 2006 convention, the Diocese of San Diego passed a resolution requesting that this affiliation be voted on at General Convention 2006 since membership in an organization which supports abortion affects TEC as a whole and each member by association.
All resolutions relating to RCRC membership died in committee and none were presented to General Convention for vote. In light of this, as well as published statements by the RCRC which contradict the Book of Common Prayer and General Convention resolutions regarding abortion, we would request that the Diocese of San Diego disassociate itself from the decision of the Executive Council to affiliate with the RCRC and also not participate in or support, financially or otherwise, the RCRC.
Check out AnglicanTV for coverage of the diocesan convention for South Carolina.
Head over to Anglican TV - they are discussing postponing the election of deputies to General Convention. Kendall Harmon has requested the the election be postponed until the next Diocesan Council so that the Diocese can decide if/how many deputies to General Convention. The concern was that "business as usual" is pushing through. Right now the Bishop has taken the floor to oppose Kendall's motion. The Bishop's concern is that it will get the new bishop's episcopate off on the wrong foot. It's rather unprecedanted to have the bishop take the floor during a debate. He must be worried. Go here and watch the proceedings.
The initial vote they took appeared to be even split. The Diocesan Chancellor has now taken the floor. It appears that the diocesan brass oppose the postponement. Kendall is willing to standdown if there is a guarantee that this discussion will happen. You can see that they want to trust the brass. But it's quite obvious that South Carolina is split.
It has now been withdrawn. Once the bishop spoke against it, the air went out of the tires. Very interesting. Watch that space.
From Bishop Iker and the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Fort Worth [boldface mine]:
A Preliminary Report from the Bishop and Standing Committee
on the Invitation to Join the Province of the Southern Cone
In accordance with the Resolution adopted by our Diocesan Convention, this is our preliminary report on some of the implications of accepting an offer which we received from the Southern Cone shortly before our Convention.
The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth in November 2007 took the first step toward dissociating itself from actions of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. This decision was made in response to TEC's failure to heed either the repeated calls for repentance issued by the Primates of the Anglican Communion or the recommendations of the Panel of Reference. The leadership of TEC has threatened us with false claims of canonical power to correct and discipline us while condoning or even promoting in other dioceses false teaching and sacramental actions explicitly contrary to Holy Scripture.
In early November we received an invitation from Archbishop Gregory Venables, on behalf of the Province of the Southern Cone, stating that, as an emergency, pastoral measure we and others like us would have a welcome place within that Province until such time as TEC either changes its direction or a new ecclesial structure within the Anglican Communion is established in North America.
The Province of the Southern Cone includes the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. With a membership of around 27,000 persons, it is one of the smallest provinces of the Anglican Communion in terms of numbers, but among the largest in geographical size.
Following Anglican missionary work in the region during the 19th century, missionary dioceses were formed in each of these South American countries, and bishops were appointed to serve under the direct metropolitical oversight of the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1981 these dioceses came together to form the new Province, focused on carrying out the Great Commission and maintaining a strong commitment to the traditional teachings of the Church in all matters of faith and morals. It is led by an elected Presiding Bishop who serves as the Primate and Archbishop of the Province. This office is currently held by the British-born bishop of Argentina, The Most Rev. Gregory James Venables. He is a principal leader of the traditional, orthodox movement in the worldwide Anglican Communion and has taken an active role in the Primates’ Meetings in recent years.
At its November 2007 Synod, the Province adopted a resolution to extend the offer of membership to traditional dioceses electing to leave revisionist provinces. In December, the Province received the Diocese of San Joaquin in California. Archbishop Venables has also received several retired TEC and Canadian bishops into the Province. It was in that context that he recently declared: “Christianity is specific, definable and unchanging. We are not at liberty to deconstruct or rewrite it. If Jesus was the Son of God yesterday then so He is today and will be forever.”
We have now had opportunity to review the Constitution and Canons of the Province of the Southern Cone; an English-language edition of those documents is being edited and will be released shortly. Based on our review, we have concluded that the structure and polity of the Province of the Southern Cone would afford our diocese greater self-determination than we currently have under the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. This autonomy would be evident most specifically in the areas of property ownership, liturgy, holy orders, and missionary focus.
While nothing will change in the day-to-day operations of the churches in the Diocese of Fort Worth, we expect a significant change in attitude and focus of the clergy and people of the diocese. Becoming a member Diocese of the Province of the Southern Cone would allow the Diocese of Fort Worth the opportunity and freedom to continue to practice the “Faith once delivered to all the saints” without being constantly distracted by the controversies and divisions caused by innovations hostile to traditional Christian norms. Instead, it would allow the Diocese to concentrate on the call of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel and make new disciples, while at the same time assuring our continued place in the mainstream of Anglicanism, an assurance The Episcopal Church is unable to give.
Presented by
The Bishop and Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth
January 9, 2008
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