Yesterday was a great day at General Convention and for the Episcopal Church. Not only did the House of Deputies vote to concur with the House of Bishops on two resolutions making marriage equality the reality in The Episcopal Church (TEC), the action was taken with great respect for those for whom this action causes pain and distress. Before each vote was taken, the House of Deputies was called to prayer by our chaplain, the Rev. Lester MacKenzie. Before each vote was announced, the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Jennings, asked that there be no applause or cheering when the vote was announced out of respect for those who disagree. And when the votes were announced, which were overwhelmingly in favor of marriage equality, there was respectful silence in the House. When 2000 people (deputies, alternates, and visitors) are silent, the silence is palpable.
The resolutions clearly make marriage equality the reality in the Episcopal Church. Yet, both resolutions make space for those who disagree. Even though the Supreme Court decision has made marriage equality the law of the land in this country, the Episcopal Church is made up of churches in 17 different countries. For deputations from some of those countries, as well as some in this country, this action is a very painful move on the part of the Episcopal Church and they will go home to unhappy congregations. So, we rejoice with those who rejoice, but we weep with those who weep as brothers and sisters in our common faith.
For more on the nuances of each resolution, I encourage you to visit www.opensourcetheology.blogspot.com. Don was on the special legislative task force on marriage and posts his thoughts there about the resolutions.
Today, our attention turns to the budget of The Episcopal Church for the next three years, and to the response of TEC to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Both should be interesting and intense discussion.
Your continued prayers are appreciated!
Blessings,
Charlotte
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