Episcopal Church Advances Blessings Proposal for Same-Sex Relationships, Final Vote Tuesday

(Photo Credit: Epsicopal Diocese of Indianapolis)Participants the the Episcopal Church's 77th General Convention take part in a worship service at the JW Marriott Indianapolis on July 6, 2012.

The Episcopal Church is set for a final vote on Tuesday which would authorize blessings for same-sex relationships with an opt-out clause after one of two chambers easily passed a resolution and a three-year period of study on the matter.

Acknowledging a split in The Episcopal Church, the denomination's upper legislative chamber on Monday passed a resolution that would authorize "provisional" rites for same-sex relationships with a conscience clause allowing objectors to refuse to participate.

The House of Bishops approved legislation A049 on a role call vote of 111 to 41, with 3 abstentions, with the House of Deputies set to debate and vote on the resolution on Tuesday.

The resolution, which is being considered during the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, would authorize a provisional rite - called "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant" - and accompanying resources for same-sex relationships. It also calls for a review process ahead of the next General Convention in 2015.

"This is clearly a work in process, and there is a place in that process for all Episcopalians, whether or not they agree with the action we are taking today," said Deputy Ruth Meyers of Chicago and Bishop Thomas Ely of Vermont, chairs of the Cognate Subcommittee on Blessings of the Committee 13, Prayer Book.
The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music would need to study the matter during the next three years looking into how the blessing of lifelong, committed same-sex relationships relates to Christian theology and scripture and to reflect on the matter with others in the Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners.

The resolution proposes that bishops be able to authorize adaptation of resources to meet the needs of people in their dioceses, particularly in states which allow for same-sex marriages or civil unions for same-sex couples.

The resolution, if passed would be authorized for provisional use in Episcopal churches starting on December 2, 2012, the first Sunday of Advent and the start of the church's liturgical year.

Congregations and clergy wishing to use the liturgy must have the permission of their bishops.
The Episcopalian, a news service of the Episcopal Diocese on Central Florida issued a report where Bishop Leo Frade of Southeast Florida said he supported the resolution.

He said "people will say that Hispanics will be upset with this vote. But we have gay children, uncles and friends. Please to not generalize that Hispanics will run from the Episcopal Church as a result of this vote."

A bishop in opposition told the publication he has heard from close Anglican friends living in totalitarian countries that they fear retaliation for being associated with the Church's policies on marriage and sexuality.

"These decisions could be catastrophic for them, and I have to oppose the resolution," said Bishop Gregory Brewer of Central Florida at the House of Bishops meeting.

Members of the committee also submitted a minority report in opposition to the resolution.

The report called Resolution A049 a "clear break and departure from 'the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them' introducing and acting upon a new theology of human sexuality inconsistent with the clear teaching of Scripture, the Book of Common Prayer, The Constitution & Canons of the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion and the wider Church."

The resolution includes a provision that conscientious objectors or supporters of the liturgy not be penalized.

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