GC2012: Fr Todd H. Wetzel editorial #3 July 10, 2012
Editorial #3: Fr. Todd Wetzel
Reporting from General Convention, July 10, 2012
Monday, late in the afternoon, the House of Bishops passed a resolution approving a “provisional,” not trial, service for the Blessing of a Same Sex Unions. There was never any doubt as to its passage. The vote was 111 to 41.
Discussion included a statement by Bishop Greg Brewer, Central Florida, in which he pointed out that, in areas of the world with dominant Moslem majorities, Christians would be killed because they adhere to a Faith, which supports any inclusion of homosexuality or lesbianism. Because of the reception of satellite TV with programs from the United States, countries in Africa – especially the Islamic majorities – constantly battle against the adoption of homosexuality into their cultures.
The House barely hesitated at his remark. I think this is result two-fold. In 2008, most of the African provinces declined to attend the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England. As a result, the TEC bishops that did attend did not have the opportunity to meet them and hear their stories. They did meet and hear from bishops in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and New Guinea where Christianity is less than 2% of the population. In these countries, homosexuality is taboo also, but the reaction is not as violent as in Africa. So, how much does this issue matter across the Communion?
In a vote on Tuesday, the House of Deputies concurred by passing the measure with an even wider margin.
Since 1979, when some thirty bishops indicated a desire to include homosexuals openly in the ranks of the ordained along with women, this agenda has repeatedly taken center stage at successive Conventions. In 1979, it was opening rejected, but the first “commendatory” resolution about participation of gays in the church was crafted and passed.
Fifteen years ago at the 1997 General Convention, General Convention initiated a “listening” process, requested by the gay lobby, so that we could hear the testimonial experiences of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.
Since that time, we’ve heard little else.
The lyrics of the song loudly played here may be summarized as follows:
Never mind what the Bible has to say,
Pay no attention to what the Church has had to say about marriage or sex throughout its history,
Close your ears to the overwhelming majority of Anglicans around the world have counseled,
Just do what your “heart” tells you.
And, the hearts of many have told them to do whatever is required to make a very small minority of Episcopalians “happy.”
When a family becomes preoccupied with meeting the needs of one of its members, that family is drawn into “dysfunction.” Resentment builds, secrecy is encouraged, children and adults reverse roles and depression becomes prevalent. The social, economic, psychological and spiritual well being of the family is placed in jeopardy. With good reason, the word “dysfunctional” is used to describe the Church we see gathered here.
Signaling more of the same, the House of Bishops also passed a resolution calling for the full inclusion of “transgendered” persons in the ordination process of our Church. The House of Deputies undoubtedly will concur on Wednesday.
And, the beat will go on – crafting a song that fewer and fewer people in the pew seem willing to sing.
Orthodox/Traditional Bishops will leave this Convention and return home to spend hours doing damage control. Some “middle-of-the-road” bishops will too. By and large, deputies will not be asked how they voted, except on the essential sexuality issues. The national, secular press will celebrate the “brave” decisions made in Indianapolis, especially since the Presbyterians held to the orthodox definition of marriage, just last weekend.
And, as usual, the red doors of our Churches will swing open on Sunday. Pews will fill, children will color and learn Scripture, the organ will sound and we will all breathe a sigh of relief that it will be three more years until the next General Convention.
Reporting from General Convention, July 10, 2012
Monday, late in the afternoon, the House of Bishops passed a resolution approving a “provisional,” not trial, service for the Blessing of a Same Sex Unions. There was never any doubt as to its passage. The vote was 111 to 41.
Discussion included a statement by Bishop Greg Brewer, Central Florida, in which he pointed out that, in areas of the world with dominant Moslem majorities, Christians would be killed because they adhere to a Faith, which supports any inclusion of homosexuality or lesbianism. Because of the reception of satellite TV with programs from the United States, countries in Africa – especially the Islamic majorities – constantly battle against the adoption of homosexuality into their cultures.
The House barely hesitated at his remark. I think this is result two-fold. In 2008, most of the African provinces declined to attend the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England. As a result, the TEC bishops that did attend did not have the opportunity to meet them and hear their stories. They did meet and hear from bishops in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and New Guinea where Christianity is less than 2% of the population. In these countries, homosexuality is taboo also, but the reaction is not as violent as in Africa. So, how much does this issue matter across the Communion?
In a vote on Tuesday, the House of Deputies concurred by passing the measure with an even wider margin.
Since 1979, when some thirty bishops indicated a desire to include homosexuals openly in the ranks of the ordained along with women, this agenda has repeatedly taken center stage at successive Conventions. In 1979, it was opening rejected, but the first “commendatory” resolution about participation of gays in the church was crafted and passed.
Fifteen years ago at the 1997 General Convention, General Convention initiated a “listening” process, requested by the gay lobby, so that we could hear the testimonial experiences of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.
Since that time, we’ve heard little else.
The lyrics of the song loudly played here may be summarized as follows:
Never mind what the Bible has to say,
Pay no attention to what the Church has had to say about marriage or sex throughout its history,
Close your ears to the overwhelming majority of Anglicans around the world have counseled,
Just do what your “heart” tells you.
And, the hearts of many have told them to do whatever is required to make a very small minority of Episcopalians “happy.”
When a family becomes preoccupied with meeting the needs of one of its members, that family is drawn into “dysfunction.” Resentment builds, secrecy is encouraged, children and adults reverse roles and depression becomes prevalent. The social, economic, psychological and spiritual well being of the family is placed in jeopardy. With good reason, the word “dysfunctional” is used to describe the Church we see gathered here.
Signaling more of the same, the House of Bishops also passed a resolution calling for the full inclusion of “transgendered” persons in the ordination process of our Church. The House of Deputies undoubtedly will concur on Wednesday.
And, the beat will go on – crafting a song that fewer and fewer people in the pew seem willing to sing.
Orthodox/Traditional Bishops will leave this Convention and return home to spend hours doing damage control. Some “middle-of-the-road” bishops will too. By and large, deputies will not be asked how they voted, except on the essential sexuality issues. The national, secular press will celebrate the “brave” decisions made in Indianapolis, especially since the Presbyterians held to the orthodox definition of marriage, just last weekend.
And, as usual, the red doors of our Churches will swing open on Sunday. Pews will fill, children will color and learn Scripture, the organ will sound and we will all breathe a sigh of relief that it will be three more years until the next General Convention.
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