BATTLE LOOMING
AT GENERAL CONVENTION
(with updates)
(with updates)
A struggle is emerging at the Episcopal Church's 2018 General Convention, in Austin TX, over prayer book reform. It centers around two dissimilar resolutions, A068 and B012. The fundamental issue is prayer book revision. I am not attending the convention, but am trying to keep up via the live streaming and printed information and commentary.
July 9. Here is the situation this morning:
---On Saturday, the House of Deputies adopted by about a two-thirds vote, a slightly revised version of Resolution A068. As I read it, this will start the process of revising the Book of Common Prayer to make it gender neutral. For one thing, the marriage liturgy will be equally applicable to different-sex and same-sex couples. A068 is now in the House of Bishops for their consideration. Both houses have to agree on a resolution for its final passage. Find A068 here
---Several bishops have proposed a considerably different resolution, B012. They tout it as a compromise. As I see it, this will essentially leave a status quo in the Church's use of marriage liturgies. Same-sex couples will still have the same access to marriage in the church but under the continuation of the present "trial use" services. This leaves same-sex marriage as a supplemental service and not within the range of the present marriage liturgy of the prayer book. To get this, the conservative bishops agreed to open their dioceses for alternative oversight in regard to s-s marriage. Find B012 here .
Since HOD has already passed A068, and by a wide margin, the HOB will have to consider it. Reports are that there is a considerable movement in HOB for major amendment or possibly rejection. The HOB may take up this today, or perhaps tomorrow.
The legislative sessions are live streamed. Find the streaming here .
Today's legislative sessions are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. CDT.
It will be fascinating to watch how the two competing resolutions work their ways through the two houses. Right now, the onus is on the bishops. They have to respond to A068, but also have their own B012.
The Living Church has an enlightening article on the battle. Find it here .
UPDATE, July 9, 1:00 p.m. The House of Deputies just voted to approve an amended version of Resolution B012:
Yes clerical, 96 lay, 97
No clerical, 10 lay, 8
Divided clerical, 4 lay, 5
Unfortunately, I missed the wording of the amendment(s). I will return as I have more information.
UPDATE, July 9, 5:00 p.m. The House of Bishops has adjourned for the day. It will reconvene in legislative session tomorrow at 2:15 p.m. This afternoon, bishops discussed whether to approve A068 (passed by HOD on Saturday), that is, to adopt comprehensive prayer book reform. Bishop Skip Adams spoke eloquently against A068. He said the 1979 prayer book is the basic common tie of the two sides of the split in SC and the best hope for reconciliation. No one could disagree with that. It is fair to say feelings ran high on both sides of the debate. The bishops are expected to vote tomorrow afternoon on A068. My best guess at this point is---toss up. I expect if it does pass it will have major amendments. HOB still has to take up B012 which HOD passed today with amendment.
The Living Church has an enlightening article on the battle. Find it here .
UPDATE, July 9, 1:00 p.m. The House of Deputies just voted to approve an amended version of Resolution B012:
Yes clerical, 96 lay, 97
No clerical, 10 lay, 8
Divided clerical, 4 lay, 5
Unfortunately, I missed the wording of the amendment(s). I will return as I have more information.
UPDATE, July 9, 5:00 p.m. The House of Bishops has adjourned for the day. It will reconvene in legislative session tomorrow at 2:15 p.m. This afternoon, bishops discussed whether to approve A068 (passed by HOD on Saturday), that is, to adopt comprehensive prayer book reform. Bishop Skip Adams spoke eloquently against A068. He said the 1979 prayer book is the basic common tie of the two sides of the split in SC and the best hope for reconciliation. No one could disagree with that. It is fair to say feelings ran high on both sides of the debate. The bishops are expected to vote tomorrow afternoon on A068. My best guess at this point is---toss up. I expect if it does pass it will have major amendments. HOB still has to take up B012 which HOD passed today with amendment.
