In strongly worded resolutions the House of Bishops today:
Rejected the proposed Pastoral Scheme of the Dar es Salaam Communiqué as "injurious to the Episcopal Church,"
Declared an "urgent need for us to meet face to face with the Archbishop ofCanterbury and members of the Primates' Standing Committee, and we hereby request and urge that such a meeting be negotiated by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Canterbury at the earliest possible opportunity."
and
Included in a final resolution outlining the background for the rejection of thePastoral Scheme, "We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God's children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants in the life ofChrist's Church."
Commentary to follow. Read the resolutions in full here ... and rejoice in this powerful witness of the bishops of this Episcopal Church!
10 comments:
Susan, as I've noted on my own blog, here's the real meat...Thank God for bishops who are willing to proclaim the equality of the baptized and to say "no" to ultimatums. Thank God for their witness against violence.
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. We proclaim the Gospel that stands against any violence, including violence done to women and children as well as those who are persecuted because of their differences, often in the name of God. The Dar es Salaam Communiqué is distressingly silent on this subject. And, contrary to the way the Anglican Communion Network and the American Anglican Council have represented us, we proclaim a Gospel that welcomes diversity of thought and encourages free and open theological debate as a way of seeking God's truth. If that means that others reject us and communion with us, as some have already done, we must with great regret and sorrow accept their decision.
very proud to be an Episcopalian today.
I did not expect the bishops to be this clear in their answer. Wow.
I just read the three statements in their entirety. I am deeply relieved and strengthened. As a newly "received" Episcopalian (since last Spring at All Saints, Pasadena) I am proud to have made a decision that is now "confirmed" (I've had some doubts since General Convention). As a "straight as an arrow" married female, I understand that this is not about "gays" it is about living God's prophetic message intensely within a very BIG Tent...
Given the capital he had to spend to get Dar es Salaam through, I seriously doubt that Rowan Williams will take that meeting. I could be wrong; I've been wrong before.
Actually, in just about every Anglican prediction I've made since 2003, I haven't been anywhere near the ballpark). But I hope you all enjoy being high-church Unitarians.
I wish you Peace in your new calling as the Worldwide Episcopal Church. Congratulations to the Bishops for their clarity of statement.
Susan,
This is the most satisfying document from our Church leadership I've read in a very long time!
Love in Christ to you.
I am dumb founded. I am speachless, well not quite. I've never been prouder to be an Episcopalian. Even though it's Lent, I say, Alleluia!
I take back what I have said about Purple Shirts and spine removal.
Thanks be to God for our brave Bishops. Good Augstinian theology (reliance on Grace and humility as to our own holiness) have won the day against Donatism, Clericalism and Fundamentalist sympathetic magick.
Thank you, Bishops, and above that, thank you God for revealing your word and will in such a clear fashion.
It is a good day for God's Church.
I can hardly wait for confirmation day at All Saints in Pasdena, CA, home of my birth and my ancestors as well, (I was born and raised into the Roman Catholic Church St. Andrews Pasadena, CA), however on May 12, I will be received/welcomed and reaafirm my faith and love of Jesus, rebuke evil and become a proud Christian and proud Episcopalian!!! Yes!!!!!
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