Development of Same-Gender Blessings OK’d by Deputies
By the Rev. Lauren R. Stanley
Following passionate yet restrained debate Friday morning, the House of Deputies overwhelmingly passed C056, the resolution that authorizes the development of theological and liturgical resources for same-gender blessings.
The resolution passed by 72 percent in the lay order, and 68.5 percent in the clerical order.
In the debate, Deputies heard from both sides of the argument. The Rev. Charlie Holt, deputy from Central Florida, said the “resolution is lacking faith. … It does not uphold the teaching from Holy Scriptures, or the teachings of the Holy Catholic Christian Church, … If this passes, our doctrine of marriage is being revised.”
The Rev. Dan Martins, deputy from Northern Indiana, opposed passage of the resolution. “We are covering ourselves in shame,” he said.
The Rev. Dr. Ian Douglas, deputy from Massachusetts, said that “we cannot pretend that concurring with C056 will not cause turmoil. … I suspect it will be used … to marginalize us and enfranchise (conservatives) as the genuine American aspect of Anglicanism.”
After the debate, Douglas added, “The House of Deputies has been faithful to the Holy Spirit as we perceive her to be leading us. Some people will try to pit our place in the Anglican Communion against what we perceive to be the world of the Holy Spirit.
“I will not participate in that dividing strategy,” Douglas said. “I respectfully ask the Archbishop of Canterbury, our sister and brother laity, clergy and bishops of the Anglican Communion to move with us toward deeper relationship in mission and not allow our beloved Communion to be divided by those who would benefit by having it so.”
Several deputies cited the hard work by the House of Bishops, and complimented those bishops for using the Indaba conversations that led to the bishops’ rewriting of
C056.
Other deputies said that passing C056 helped the Church focus on mission.
“I am aware of the pain on both sides,” said Dr. Joshua Kingsley, deputy of Eastern Oregon. “Some are not comfortable with the liturgy idea. That is valid and I hear you. But others have to address to survive. (This resolution) is not forcing anyone to do anything. But give some of us tool to minister to and effect our mission in a changing world.”
Jack Finlaw, deputy from Colorado, said that the Church has “to move beyond this issue for (the sake of) mission. … We vote in knowledge that the Global South is not of one voice. Jenny Te Paa told us that the other day.” Dr. Jenny Plane Te Paa is principal of Te Rau Kahikatea, College of St. John the Evangelist in Auckland, New Zealand.
Our actions in Anaheim may feel abrupt and decisive to some,” said the Very Rev. Michael Delk, Southern Virginia, “but in fact the work of these two weeks stand within a continuum of prayerful conversation and reflection, stretching back decades on some controversial issues.
“Our job now is to continue that work at the local level, so that the Spirit’s breath make sing through the entire Church, as our ongoing discernment continues.”
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