Diocese: California
DateOfConvention: October 19-20, 2007
Status: Passed without amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-10
Time: 16:25:28 -0800
Liturgical Covenanting, Blessing, and Sending Forth of Couples in Committed Same-Gender Relationships
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California commends to the Bishop of California the lectionary, rubric entitled “Concerning the Service,” and three rites endorsed by the Commission on Marriage and Blessing, and urges the Bishop to approve the trial use of these forms as resources in the Diocese of California for formalizing the blessing of same-gender unions.
Diocese: California
DateOfConvention: October 19-20, 2007
Status: Passed without amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-10
Time: 16:26:17 -0800
Response to the House of Bishops’ Statement
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Diocese of California considers the statement made by the House of Bishops at their September 2007 New Orleans meeting to be non-binding on The Episcopal Church unless adopted by General Convention;
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Diocese of California affirms the unanimous decision of the Standing Committee to refuse to discriminate against partnered gay and lesbian bishops-elect in the consent process as called for in General Convention 2006 resolution B033;
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Diocese of California deplores the lack of access to adequate pastoral care and liturgical rites for the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in most dioceses of The Episcopal Church, and the refusal of the majority of our bishops to make provision for it, and calls upon the House of Bishops to publish guidelines for such care;
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Diocese of California commends the House of Bishops for its call to increase implementation of the Communion-wide listening process as a real process of engagement, and calls upon the Presiding Bishop and her staff to develop such a process within the Episcopal Church, recognizing that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people continue to be marginalized in many parts of our Church;
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Diocese of California commends the House of Bishops for its call for the full participation of the Bishop of New Hampshire in the 2008 Lambeth Conference, and acknowledges the basic contradiction between support for Bishop Robinson and the implementation of B033; and
Resolved, That the 158th Convention of the Diocese of California commends the House of Bishops for its support for the civil rights, safety, and dignity of gay and lesbian persons, and calls upon the General Convention to work to resolve speedily and justly the basic contradiction between such support in civil society and the absence of such support within the Church’s own pastoral and sacramental life.
Diocese: Rochester
DateOfConvention: November 2-3, 2007
Status: Passed without amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-10
Time: 16:32:44 -0800
A Resolution Concerning Consents to Episcopal Elections
Proposer: Committee for Gay and Lesbian Ministry
Resolved, that this 76th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester submits the following resolution to the 76th General Convention…
Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, that this 76th General Convention affirms that standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction are not bound by any extra-canonical restraints—including but not limited to the restraints set forth in Resolution B033 passed by the 75th General Convention—when considering consents to the ordination of any candidate to the episcopate.
EXPLANATION As a result of the Windsor Report, the 75th General Convention was under extraordinary pressure to enact a moratorium on the election, consent, and consecration of further gay or lesbian bishops. The House of Deputies rejected such a resolution (A161) on June 20, 2006. However, the very next day, the former Presiding Bishop used highly unusual parliamentary tactics to force a vote on Resolution B033—which called upon "Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion." To everyone present, it was clear that "manner of life" was code for "gay and lesbian persons with same-sex domestic partners." The new Presiding Bishop expressed her reluctant support for the resolution, as did a few gay and lesbian deputies. The resolution was passed by both houses with great emotion. In the days following General Convention, chancellors began pointing out that B033 is a violation of the ecclesiastical laws that govern the Episcopal Church. The Canons of General Convention (Title III, Canon 1, Section 2) prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation: "No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons." The canons do not prohibit gay and lesbian persons who are in same-sex, domestic partnerships from being elected, consented, and consecrated to the episcopate. Every decision involves "cost" and "promise." The passage of this resolution has achieved its intended cost—to date no additional gay or lesbian persons have been elected to the episcopate. Indeed, many qualified gay and lesbian persons are declining to run in episocopal elections for fear that, if elected, they would not receive sufficient consents. In contrast, this resolution has not achieved its intended promise—the Anglican Communion continues it slow slide toward schism. It is past time to reverse the unjust and discriminatory effect of B033 by enacting this resolution.
Diocese: Oregon
DateOfConvention: November 9, 2007
Status: Passed with amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-10
Time: 16:37:23 -0800
Resolved, That the 119th Diocesan Convention considers the statement made by the House of Bishops at their September 2007 New Orleans meeting to be non-binding on the diocese of Oregon and on the Episcopal Church unless adopted by General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the 119th Diocesan Convention deplores the lack of access to adequate pastoral care and liturgical rites for the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in The Episcopal Church and calls upon the House of Bishops to publish guidelines for such care; and be it further
Resolved, That the 119th Diocesan Convention recognizes Integrity, Inc., and it’s local presence, Integrity/Portland as an official diocesan program, and calls upon the Diocese of Oregon and Integrity to build a positive working relationship to meet the pastoral needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons in the diocese of Oregon; and be it further
Resolved, That the 119th Diocesan Convention commends the House of Bishops for its call to increase implementation of the Communion-wide listening process as a process of real engagement, and calls upon the Presiding Bishop and her staff to further develop this process within the Episcopal Church, recognizing that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people continue to be marginalized in many parts of our Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the 119th Diocesan Convention commends the House of Bishops for its call for the full participation of the Bishop of New Hampshire in the 2008 Lambeth Conference, and acknowledges the basic contradiction between support for Bishop Robinson and the implementation of B033; and be it further
Resolved, That the 119th Diocesan Convention commends the House of Bishops for its support for the civil rights, safety, and dignity of gay and lesbian persons, and calls upon the General Convention to work to resolve speedily and justly the basic contradiction between such support in civil society and the absence of such support within the Church’s own pastoral and sacramental life.
Summary: This resolution commits the convention to reaffirm our polity that this Diocese need not be held bound by the statement made at the September 2007 House of Bishops meeting unless approved by General Convention, and seeks to commend the tasks undertaken and the work put forth by the House of Bishops and calls upon the Presiding bishop to further develop the listening process to ensure that all voices are heard at the table and that The Episcopal Church will not turn back the strides it has made with regards to human sexuality and it’s relationship to scripture and the common life of the Church. This resolution also recognizes Integrity Inc. as a local Diocesan program which seeks a positive relationship with the Diocese to work together to meet the pastoral needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender persons.
Financial Impact: There is no additional financial support needed for this resolution. This resolution merely reiterates the strong and urgent need for pastoral care for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people. Parishes should be including these persons in their daily life and work without the need for additional funding.
Diocese: Oregon
DateOfConvention: November 10, 2007
Status: Passed without amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-10
Time: 16:38:02 -0800
Resolution to the 2007 Convention of the Diocese of Chicago
WHEREAS our Lord “is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34-35) and calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19);
WHEREAS our baptismal covenant call us to “respect the dignity of every human being;” WHEREAS undue discrimination limits the ability of the faithful to elect qualified persons to leadership, including the position of bishop;
WHEREAS Title III, Canon 1, Section 2 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church clearly states that “No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age;”
WHEREAS Resolution B033, if interpreted to mean that a person living in a same-sex partnership should be excluded from consecration, stands in conflict with Title III, Canon 1, Section 2 of the Canons of the Episcopal Church;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Diocese of Chicago calls upon the 76th General Convention to abide by the canons of The Episcopal Church; to respect the responsibility of each diocese to prayerfully discern the will of God in calling leaders; to refrain from restricting the potential field of candidates on the basis of sex and sexual orientation; and thus to repeal Resolution B033.
Diocese: Northern California
DateOfConvention: November 10 & 11, 2007
Status: Passed without amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-12
Time: 06:52:14 -0800
Resolution # R5-07
RESOLUTION
THE DIOCESE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
DIOCESAN CONVENTION
NOVEMBER 10 & 11, 2007
TITLE: Supporting Same-Gender Relationships of Mutuality and Fidelity
PROPOSED BY: Steve Skiffington INTEGRITY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF REPRESENTATIVE: Steve Skiffington 1919 4th Street Sacramento, California 95811 916-442-5690
REPRESENTATIVE AT CONVENTION: The Rev. James Richardson DATE: Aug. 10, 2007
RESOLVED: That this 97th Convention of the Diocese of Northern California, desiring to support our sisters and brothers in Christ who are in same-gender relationships of mutuality and fidelity, and desiring to provide clergy with appropriate pastoral tools for ministering to persons in same-gender relationships, calls upon General Convention of the Episcopal Church to develop and authorize same-sex union blessing rites.
EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTION: Blessings are the province of the church as a communal recognition of God's love for his children. This proposal is to bring to reality the blessings of the church to couples in same-sex committed relationships. The Episcopal Church, along with many other main-line churches in the United States, has already developed proposals to recognize LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people as full members of the church. However those proposals are just that, proposals. This resolution will move 'proposals' into reality.
As of this writing, eleven dioceses have already
approved official,
written policies allowing the blessing of
same-sex relationships:
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware (Bishop Wright's office will only
provide a copy to other bishops)
• Long Island
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington
Many
Northern California Episcopalians, including the proposers of these resolutions, know gay and lesbian Christians in the Church who are living in same-gender relationships of mutuality and fidelity, many of which have been in relationship well over twenty years. We experience these persons to be leading lives of Christian discipleship and servanthood and discern that their relationships evidence the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
By the passing of this resolution, we call upon the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California to state that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people are children of God and that The Episcopal Church should grant them every blessing The Church confers upon other members.
FISCAL IMPACT OF RESOLUTION: None
http://www.dncweb.org/convention/R5-07.pdf
Diocese: Chicago
DateOfConvention: November 9-10
Status: Passed without amendment or substitute
Date: 2007-11-19
Time: 19:42:18 -0800
RESOLUTION C-170
Subject: Repeal of General Convention Resolution B033 Sponsor: Rector, Wardens and Vestry of All Saints Church, Chicago Michelle Mayes, All Saints Church, Chicago Additional sponsors listed after explanation
ACTION: ADOPTED
Whereas, our Lord “is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34-35) and calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28: 19); and Whereas, our baptismal covenant calls us to “respect the dignity of every human being,” and
Whereas, undue discrimination limits the ability of the faithful to elect qualified persons to leadership, including the position of bishop;
Whereas, Title III, Canon 1, Section 2 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church clearly states that, “No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age;” and
Whereas, Resolution B033 of the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (2006), if interpreted to mean that a person living in a same-sex partnership should be excluded from consecration, stands in conflict with Title III, Canon 1, Section 2 of the canons of The Episcopal Church;
Now Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Diocese of Chicago, acting at its 170th Diocesan Convention, calls upon the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church to abide by the canons of The Episcopal Church; to respect the responsibility of each diocese to discern prayerfully the will of God in calling leaders; to refrain from restricting the potential field of candidates on the basis of sex and sexual orientation; and thus to repeal Resolution B033.
Commentary: The afternoon’s longest debated occurred with Resolution C-170 which called for a repeal of General Convention resolution B033. On a rising vote after a 35 minute debate, delegates and clergy adopted the repeal measure by a three to one margin.
Additional sponsors also included St. Nicholas, Elk Grove Village
Diocese: North Carolina
DateOfConvention: January 18-19, 2008
Status: Passed with amendment or substitute
Date: 2008-01-19
Time: 13:53:12 -0800
ON THE INCLUSION OF ALL PERSONS REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AS FULL AND EQUAL PARTICIPANTS IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST’S CHURCH.
Resolved by the 192nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, that the Diocese continue to demonstrate its commitment to radical hospitality and, that in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Statement, Fall 2007, we “proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God’s children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants in the life of Christ’s Church” by: 1) Urging the Archbishop of Canterbury to extend to the duly elected and consecrated Bishop of New Hampshire an invitation to full participation in the Lambeth Conference of 2008; 2) Encouraging our Deputies to the 2009 General Convention to ensure compliance with Title III. Canon I. Section 2, which supports the full and equal participation of all persons regardless of sexual orientation in all aspects of the Church’s ministries, lay and ordained; 3) Encouraging the General Convention to call for the development of public liturgies for the blessing of same sex unions.
Diocese: Bethlehem
DateOfConvention:
Status: Choose one
Date: 2008-05-02
Time: 04:26:04 -0700