Recent Quotes on General Convention

From Liz Zivanov [via],

When Bonnie Perry got up and asked the HoD if A161 meant that gays were to return to lying and deceiving about who they are in order to be in the church,, I watched three priests from the Diocese of Dallas look at each other, chuckle, and nod their heads. So much for unity and honesty.

Questioning Christian agrees that the compromise might have been smart.  A standing committee has to decide whether to consent to the (hypothetical) election of a bishop who happens to be a partnered lesbian.  The standing committee is inclined to consent to the election, but it also feels compelled to honor the General Convention's request in B033.  In this situation, the standing committee has a duty to assess for itself whether a genuine process of healing and reconciliation is underway in the Anglican Communion.   If not, then for purposes of the standing committee's decision, B033's predicate hasn't been satisfied, and the committee is free to give its consent.

Elizabeth Keaton describes the scene.

I’m told that, after the election was announced, Bishop Barbara Harris, tears streaming down her face walked over to Bishop Katherine to embrace her. As she did, she was overheard to say, “I never – ever – thought that in my lifetime, I would see this.” And then, they both sobbed in each other’s arms.

“ . . . for mine eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

I’m also told that Bishop Gene Robinson was heard to say, “Thanks be to God. At last, I’m finally old news!” And the place erupted in hearty laughter.

Bishops came wandering into the House of Deputies looking absolutely awed and amazed. Over and over and over again they said, “My God. My God. Isn’t this amazing?”

And, they said, “What is the Holy Spirit doing to The Episcopal Church?”

The House of Deputies was absolutely alive with joy. People weeping in a kind of happiness which approached bliss. People hugging and rocking each other. People bursting into whoops and cheers and peels of laughter. People stunned into awe and wonder, scratching their heads and looking off into space.

And then, there was the deputation from Ft. Worth: glum faces talking on cell phones. People were respectful and let them have their space, but it was painful to see this little island of misery and sorrow in the midst of unabashed joy.

Comments

[Jane R.]

A postscript to all this...

Check Elizabeth Kaeton's blog for today. And Jim Naughton's. (He has a link to someone else's blog entry which is worth a read, also.)

If you need the links, I can find and post them here -- in a rush right now.

Peace and courage to all,

Jane R.

[DanielR]

I have a question. Since you mention Ft. Worth (this little island of misery and sorrow), what happens to a church in the Ft. Worth Diocese that is and wants to be inclusive and supports the ordination of women, if the Diocese gets what they're asking for (alternative primatial oversight, or whatever it was called)?

I think that would make this church a small outpost of joy on the little island of misery and sorrow.

[Tired of Hypocrish]

I consider myself "orthodox" and I am ashamed--if it's true--of priests who behave as smugly as the ones Liz saw at the convention. Believe it or not, you have brothers and sisters who disagree with you strongly, but who don't wish to treat you with disdain. And, although the Ft. Worthites may have looked glum in Columbus, they're actually (mostly) truly joyful people. Hope you don't mind my intrusion here.

[DanielR]

Dear Tired of Hypocrisy,

I apologize if you thought I was calling the diocese sorrowful or joyless, I was just quoting the article. I love Ft. Worth and I'm sure the people in the Diocese are beautiful Christians, I am not of the mind that all Christians must agree on issues in order to be "good" Christians. I just disagreed with those I met in the diocese enough that I did not feel I could best serve Christ in their midst so I now serve in another denomination. I have become aware of a church in the diocese that I think I would feel more in agreement with and was wondering what happens to them if the diocese gets the alternate oversight they've asked for?