Report by the Albany Bishops and Deputation

on the 77^th General Convention of The Episcopal Church

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have just returned from the 77^th General Convention in Indianapolis, where we spent nine full days debating and acting on several hundred resolutions covering a wide variety of topics.  While much of the attention of the outside world was focused on AO49 (Authorize Liturgical Resources for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships), we were dealing with several other resolutions that could have been quite damaging to the sacramental life of the Church and The Episcopal Church’s relationship with the wider body of Christ.  Albany’s Bishops and Deputies worked especially hard in several areas.

Proposals to delete Holy Baptism as a requirement to receive Holy Communion: There were several proposals on what is referred to as the “Open Table,” or “Open Communion.” The Albany Deputation testified to the historic teaching of the Church. Fortunately the General Convention upheld that teaching, soundly defeating the “Open Table” resolutions.

Proposals to delete Confirmation as a requirement to serve in leadership positions in the Church: Several proposals would have rendered the Sacrament of Confirmation unnecessary. We told our story, including how each candidate for Confirmation in our diocese is asked to write our Bishop, sharing their faith and explaining why they want to be confirmed. We shared how Confirmation in our diocese emphasizes Christian formation, which culminates with the Bishop laying on hands and inviting the Holy Spirit to fill each candidate, “empowering them for the Lord’s service.”  The General Convention upheld the importance and necessity of Confirmation.

Proposals for Denomination Health Plan: The General Convention in 2009 set a vision to require each Diocese to participate in a health plan administered by The Episcopal Church. The principle and vision include lowering health care costs while insuring that church employees have access to affordable health insurance. We support the principle and the vision, but we have learned in the past three years that health care costs vary by region and locality.  We joined forces with several other dioceses in an effort to get this General Convention to overturn or provide relief from a federalized and mandated program, but unfortunately were unsuccessful.   More details will be shared in the future with parishes.

Clergy Discipline: The General Convention in 2009 completely overhauled “Title IV,” the clergy discipline canon. The result was a highly complex canon, and one that denies accused clergy certain “due process” rights which are well established in public law.  As with any complex piece of legislation there is usually a period of revision and clarification. In fact the Diocese of Albany in its 2011 Convention formally recommended that General Convention make a study of the new disciplinary canon and make needed amendments. While some changes were adopted, the General Convention did mandate further study and evaluation in the coming triennium leading to the 2015 Convention.  In the meantime however, some of the most troubling aspects of “Title IV” remain in effect.

Same-Gender Blessings: As indicated in an earlier Diocesan Update, (A049) the resolution authorizing a liturgy for the blessing of same gender relationships did pass. The passage of this resolution was very troublesome to all of us holding the traditional understanding of marriage as that special covenantal relationship between a man and woman as husband and wife, “established by God in creation” and adorned by Jesus by “His presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.”

As difficult and damaging as the passage of A049 is, it could have been a whole lot worse.  While authorizing the study and use of “Liturgical Resources I:  I Will Bless You and You Will Be A Blessing,” it can only be used with the permission of the Bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority.  This liturgical resource DOES NOT have the blessing of Bishop Love or the Standing Committee and therefore will not be authorized for use in the Diocese of Albany.  The resolution states:  “That no bishop, priest, deacon or lay person should be coerced or penalized in any manner, nor suffer any canonical disabilities, as a result of his or her conscientious objection to or support for the 77^th General Convention’s action with regard to the Blessing of Same-Sex Relationships…”

The service for blessing a same-sex relationship is being published as a stand alone document and will not be added to the Book of Common Prayer, The Book of Occasional Services, or Enriching our Worship.  For further information concerning A049, please see the Albany Bishop’s and Deputation’s earlier report/statement found on the diocesan website at http://www.albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/ .

Anglican Communion Covenant: Much of The Episcopal Church seemed ready to declare the proposed Anglican Covenant dead. The Albany Deputation urged the Church to remain engaged. While we would have preferred stronger support, we were part of the voice that prevented disengagement.

The Reading of Holy Scripture: The Diocese of Pennsylvania put forward a resolution to invite every member of the Church to read the entire Bible in the year 2013. The resolution was adopted with our support. We are encouraged by this initiative, and in the coming months we will be gathering ideas for our participation.

Proposals Calling for Structural Reform of the Church:  Over 30 resolutions were submitted calling for major structural reform in The Episcopal Church to include such things as selling The Episcopal Church Headquarters at 815 Second Ave. New York, and relocating to another less expensive location.  While nothing definitive was agreed on at General Convention, a special committee appointed by the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies will be working over the next Triennium to come up with a proposal outlining a plan for restructuring The Episcopal Church.  Depending on how this is done, it could be a very positive thing, or it could lead to possible changes in the organization and governance of the Church that could be very problematic.

The Episcopal Church Budget for 2013-2015:  A total budget of $111.5 million was passed.  Approximately 51% is directed toward Program; 31% for Administrative and Corporate;, and 18% for Canonical requirements.  Finances and funding was a huge concern impacting all of the spending initiatives that were presented at General Convention.  The budget is based on a 19% assessment to each diocese, plus other investment income.

     As indicated earlier, we had several hundred resolutions to deal with at General Convention.  The ones mentioned above were among the more important ones.  Many significant changes in theology and liturgy were proposed, and some were adopted.  Throughout our time at General Convention we tried to uphold and speak for the traditional teaching of the church.  While there were some disappointments, there were also some successes.  It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to guide and lead the Diocese of Albany as we move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit, living out and proclaiming God’s truth as best we understand it, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, offering ourselves as a channel of His love, mercy and healing grace.

     We want to thank all the people of the Diocese of Albany for your faithfulness and for your prayers and support.  They were and are a real blessing in the difficult times in which we find ourselves.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,

                  The Rt Rev William Love                         The Rt Rev. Daniel Herzog

                  The Ven. David Collum                            The Rev. Cn. Robert Haskell

                  The Rev. Scott Garno                               The Rev. John Scott

                  Elizabeth Strickland                                   Sue Ellen Ruetsch

                  Deborah Fish                                            Richard Carroll