Deputies Approve Same-Sex Blessings Resolution

From The Living Church:

Posted on: July 17, 2009

Thirty speakers used just about every adjective imaginable to describe Resolution C056 at General Convention July 17 during an hour of debate on the resolution which is widely seen as authorizing the beginning of the process of developing a formal liturgy for same-sex marriage.

Seventeen of the 30 speakers at the Anaheim Convention Center described the resolution in terms of a justice issue and urged adoption. Many of the 13 who spoke against approval said it would cause further strains on the already fragile relationships among the provinces of the Anglican Communion. The House of Bishops already has approved the resolution, so as long as the House of Deputies approves an un-amended version, it will become an official action of the 75th General Convention.

“We cannot pretend that this won’t cause turmoil,” said the Rev. Ian Douglas of Massachusetts. He noted that its passage would likely be used by groups such as the newly formed Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) “to marginalize us and enfranchise themselves as legitimate.” Deputy Douglas said he supported the resolution not only because he believed it was the right thing to do, but also because he felt it was the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Christopher Wells of Northern Indiana said it seemed clear that the house had the will and the votes to adopt the resolution. “It seems in other words that we can’t wait as we’ve been asked until a new consensus emerges,” he said.

The Rev. Michael Russell of San Diego said that while legislation adopted in 2006 was a good-faith effort, Resolution B033 had failed to achieve its intended affect. Shortly after it was approved, various individuals began violating diocesan boundaries, he said.

“We come in the shadow of Anglicans who couldn’t wait,” he said. “I support this [not as payback], but because it’s the right thing.”

Olivia Adams of Western Michigan agreed. She said her mother and partner were forced to live a secret life until they discovered The Episcopal Church. “I’m an Episcopalian because you welcomed my mother,” she said.

The House of Deputies went into recess for lunch before the results of the vote were announced. Previously a deputy from the Diocese of Albany had called for a vote by orders. After the deputies convened and read out the consent calendar, the results from Resolution C056 were read.

In the lay order, the resolution was approved, 78-30, and in the clergy order, 74-34. Divided votes are counted as “no” votes. There were seven divided votes in the lay order and seven divided deputations in the clergy order.

Steve Waring reporting from General Convention in Anaheim.