CRAZY TALK

from Midwest Conservative Journal by The Editor

The Episcopal Organization’s General Convention is coming up this summer and the first of the usual stupid resolutions have been posted.  For example, TEO believes that a city that makes its living off the rest of the country should become the 51st state:

Resolved , That the Convention recognize that this right to self-determination is explicitly stated in the Declaration of Independence’s statement that to secure their rights, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the governed,” and in the preamble to the Constitution; and be it further

Resolved , That the Convention recognize that the people of the District of Columbia have been denied this right to self-determination for over two hundred years; and be it further

Resolved, That the Convention recognize that as a constitutional union of states, full rights in United States of America go to citizens of states, and that the people of the District of Columbia, in petitioning to hold a statehood constitutional convention, electing delegates, writing a constitution and approving that constitution for the State of New Columbia, have said that they want the State of New Columbia to be admitted to the union; and be it further

Resolved , That the Convention support the right of the people of the District of Columbia to enjoy the same rights as every other American, including the right to self-determination through statehood, and urge Congress to admit the State of New Columbia to the union.

There’s the usual Middle East cliche festival.

Resolved, That this Convention acknowledges the tragic histories of the Jewish and Palestinian people as victims of injustice, wars, dispersion and exile, the existential fear and insecurity this has created for both peoples and the distress their conflict has caused throughout the Middle East; and be it further

Resolved , That this Convention respects the profound commitment of Israelis and Palestinians to the land as their homeland; and be it further

Resolved , That this Convention calls upon Israelis and Palestinians to recognize one another’s right to statehood, economic viability, and security and that all other nations do likewise; and be it further

Resolved , That this Convention calls for the cessation of violence by all Palestinians and Israelis, and be it further

Resolved , That this Convention calls on the Government of the United States of America to practice financial transparency in all of its aid to the Palestinians and Israelis; and be it further

Resolved , That this Convention calls for an end of the air, water and land blockade of the Gaza Strip thereby permitting free and uninhibited access for all humanitarian assistance, for educational, reconstruction and development materials and for ordinary trade; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention calls for a just resolution for Palestinian refugees; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention calls for an end to the on-going confiscation of Palestinian land, demolition of housing, and the displacement of people; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention calls for the creation of two states, with Jerusalem as their capital, and with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine, based on the 1967 line, subject to mutually agreed upon swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both sides.

The Body and Blood of Christ?  Or Unitarianism with free snacks?

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That The Episcopal Church ratify the rubrics and practice of The Book of Common Prayer to invite all, regardless of age, denomination, or baptism to the altar for Holy Communion; and be it further

Resolved , That Canon 1.17.7: be deleted: (Sec. 7 No unbaptized person shall be eligible to receive Holy Communion in this Church) and Canon 1.17.8 be renumbered Canon 1.17.7.

In recent decades the Episcopal Church, with prayerful consideration and deliberation, has consistently moved to being a more inclusive, open and welcoming member of Christ’s Body. Such grace is riveted on the teachings and actions of Jesus and the compassionate embrace he had for all…no matter their creed or race. We believe it essential our Liturgy reflect the unconditional hospitality our Lord employed for his mission.

We believe such an open invitation for all to fully participate in the Eucharist is in keeping with our catechism’s teaching of grace: Grace is God’s favor toward us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.” (Catechism, p. 858)

We believe appropriate preparation and readiness to receive the spiritual body and blood of Christ is experienced within the unfolding of the Divine Liturgy, providing whatever an individual needs for examination, repentance and forgiveness amid the call to be in love and charity with all people. (Catechism, p. 860)

We know from our strivings within ecumenism and mission that the communion Christ intended for all is perilous and difficult, and that boldness in offering radical hospitality is our calling rather than canonically-driven caution.

In the run-up to GenCon 2012, there should be a lot more tasty Episcopal boneheadedness to come.  Watch this space for further developments.