DAILY BULLETIN: A Brave New World

Written end of Monday, June 19, 2006

A question at Monday morning’s press conference from one of the folks at Anglican Mainstream had us puzzled. In this brave new world, he inquired, which was so full of landmines that one senior bishop had already had his hand slapped, what were the markers, the landmarks, to guide us? We had missed the hand slap and figured that we must have been at a different party from the bishop that night. In the best traditions of Episcopalian journalism, your intrepid reporters managed to find a copy of Encompass, the ACN daily (which is remarkably difficult for outsiders to get their hands on.) It turns out that the ‘hand slap’ in question was in fact administered BEFORE Bishop Schori’s election, and in full view of several Integrity members.

Here’s what we saw. At a Special Committee meeting one of the bishops made an offhand comment about coming-out. There was a chuckle from many who were listening to the meeting, and one of the other Committee members said ‘that was neither funny nor helpful’. His comment seemed aimed as much at those who laughed as at the bishop in question, who apologized and everyone moved on. Apart it seems from the folks in the ACN (Anglican Communion Network). Perhaps Anglican Mainstream thinks that before Sunday it was okay to make gay jokes and now it isn’t. We would like to remind them what our mothers taught us; the only people who can lovingly make gay jokes are gay people. We hope they can come up with some ACN jokes to tell each other.

For those who love conspiracy theories, check out this article from Virtue Online. According to that, Bishop Jon Bruno is the new queenmaker. However there is no corroboration and even Bishop Duncan of Pittsburgh and the ACN has said that there appeared not to be much campaigning going on during the PB election. The official back story is that the bishops spent a lot of time praying and hearing reflections from their chaplains and singing far too many hymns. There is some concern about how close the vote was between Bishop Schori and Bishop Parsley (95,88) but Schori has a reputation for bridge building and is an acknowledged leader in the House of Bishops, so it’s not expected to be a huge problem.

The House of Bishops passed some important legislation on Monday. Resolution D005, for the decriminalization of homosexuality, was passed. This is important but unfortunately led to the Special Committee discharging the two resolutions which would have specifically disassociated us from Nigeria’s actions. Resolution A167, which was part of the Special Committee on Windsor bundle, was also approved. It reaffirms a resolution from 1976 which states that gay and lesbian persons as baptized members of the Church "have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church." In fact, the title of the resolution is '"Full and Equal Claim" for All the Baptized.' The resolution calls for including gays and lesbians on all bodies where "the specific purpose" is that "of discussing issues about sexuality". 

Bishop Iker of Fort Worth fired the first shot for the traditionalist separatists when he announced that the Diocese of Fort Worth has applied to Canterbury for alternative primatial oversight.

Finally, at the end of Monday afternoon, the major Windsor Report resolutions made it to the floor of the House of Deputies. The first one, on regret, (A160) was amended so that the first resolution regrets ‘straining’ the bonds of affection rather than ‘breaching’ them. The debate was civilized and restrained and the amended resolution passed by a two thirds majority. The second, which incorporates both the moratorium on authorizing blessings for same sex unions and the moratorium on ordaining bishops whose ‘manner of life’ might cause offence (A161), was introduced and debate started but then the time ran out and at 7pm the House adjourned. Becky Snow who was one of the Special Committee members spoke strongly and movingly in support of the motion, talking of the need for LGBT people to make a sacrifice for the time being, and coming out publicly in a way we all know takes courage. We don’t agree with her position on this one, but we do appreciate the work she has done on this committee advocating for LGBT people and our sacramental rights.

In a foretaste of what’s to come, Kendall Harmon, Canon Theologian of South Carolina, spoke against the motion saying that it was unclear and failed to adequately respond to the Windsor Report. It’s likely that the conservatives will field a substitute motion first thing today. There are many others who want to see The Episcopal Church stay fully engaged with the Anglican Communion but feel that the cost is too high. The sense that we are trying to respond to ‘a foreign power’ at the expense of LGBT people and their families is very strong. The intervention of various British bishops in this debate has been resented by some who contrast their behavior with the many bishops who are here visiting from other provinces and have not attempted to tell us how we should behave.

Talking of Brits, the Archbishop of Canterbury took his time in sending a message of greetings to our Presiding Bishop elect. ++Rowan is not known for his effusiveness but a slight chill was noticed in his failure to offer his congratulations, and his comment that it would have an impact on collegiality and highlight some issues in ecumenical relationships.

In contrast the party at Trinity, hosted by Integrity and the Episcopal Women’s Caucus welcomed PB-elect Katharine Jefferts Schori celebrated loud and long, ‘It’s a Girl!’