The orders for today are out and you may want to tune into the evening session. The Anglicam/Lutheran thing is going on today, but this evening we do get a session. Here’s the lowdown:
7.00pm Balloting for Proculator
7.15pm International Partners
7.45pm Resolutions (A183, A190, A202, A222, A226, A263, A264). See here for more info.
8.45pm Announce election of Proculator
One to watch out for is A183, which is the acceptance of the Report of the Windsor Response Group. Note, this resolution is not acceptance of the Windsor Report, but just the Report on the Report. It may come as no surprise that the Report on the Report emphasises the parts that are acceptable to the ACC while failing to address some of the rather more difficult issues such as committing and complying with all the requirements. If you’re not clued in, some of the sublties and nuances of this resolution may be missed…
Also keep an eye on A190, which if passed will say that the ACC (Anglican Church of Canada) does not ratify the changes to the ACC (Anglican Consultative Council) – i.e. we do not want the primates to be members of the ACC.
Lastly, watch A226 -that’s the one where we authorise (or not ) the Faith and Worship committee to start looking at revision of common worship texts.
So, pretty much ignore what I said about today being boring – there’s some significant resolutions coming to the floor……
I would like to know what is going to come of Resolution B001?
This is a very dangerous resolution, I pray that the delegates see it for what it is and vote it down with clear discernment.
What this resolution really says is: (my words)
In spite of any decisions made by General Synod 2007, the Anglican Church of Canada agrees that Bishop Michael Ingham can and will do whatever he wants.
see actual resolution below or
http://www.anglican.ca/gs2007/rr/resolutions/b001.htm
The selected and limited explanatory notes are included to gloss over or distract from this resolutions true intention.
Regards,
GB
Resolution Number: B001
Subject: Blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions
Moved by: Mr. Stephen Schuh from the Diocese of New Westminster
Seconded By: The Rt. Rev’d Michael Ingham from the Diocese of New Westminster
Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.
BE IT RESOLVED:
Notwithstanding any decisions taken by this its 2007 Synod, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada affirms that the present practice of the Synod and Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster in authorizing the blessings of covenanted same-sex unions in eight (8) Parishes of that Diocese shall continue in the Diocese of New Westminster pending further resolution by General Synod.
EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Diocese of New Westminster’s engagement with issues of human sexuality, extending over many years and numerous Diocesan Synods, has resulted in a rite for blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions. ??This process has involved:
• Votes at three Diocesan Synods (1998, 2001, 2002), each with an increasing majority in favour; with the Bishop withholding his assent until 2002;
• The affirmative conclusion of a national legal consultation into the authority of a diocesan bishop to authorize a rite of blessing of covenanted same-sex unions;
• A three-year program (1998-2001) of extensive, diocese-wide parish dialogues to explore theological issues surrounding human sexuality and to hear the stories of gay, lesbian and ex-gay Anglicans, and to consider a proposed rite of blessing;
• The careful development of a rite for blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions;
• The provision that no individual, clergy or lay, must participate in any such rites;
• The development of a process and protocol for parishes to seek the Bishop’s authorization to conduct such blessings;
• The provision of an episcopal visitor for parishes and individuals opposed to the blessing of same-sex unions.
• The provision of this rite has enabled gay and lesbian people to feel safe, respected, and included in the full life of the church and that the sudden withdrawal of this rite would seriously undermine the progress that has been made.
In view of the deliberative process leading to a rite of blessing couples in covenanted same-sex unions in the Diocese of New Westminster, and the potentially damaging effects if this rite is abruptly withdrawn, and given affirmation ¶12 of the St. Michael Report that “history … demonstrates that clarity emerges when thought and action occur simultaneously,” the Diocese of New Westminster needs to provide ongoing pastoral care and continuity for its people and parishes within its existing practice.
Source: Diocese of New Westminster?(name of committee, diocese, etc.)
Submitted by: Diocese of New Westminster
It’s a congregational motion and really would make no sense at all. I rather think it is in there to provide a backup in case things do not go the way they would like…..