Adding the bfd up here, so folks don't miss it: #GC77 A049 passes HoB! Same-Sex Blessings going to HoD.
The General Convention of the Episcopal Church has just passed several resolutions that support equality in a variety of ways.
D002 Affirming Access to Discernment Process for Ministry
Resolved, the House of ------------ concurring, That Title III, Canon 1, Sec. 2 of the
Canons of the Episcopal Church be hereby amended to read as follows: No person shall be denied access to the discernment process for any ministry, lay or ordained, in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, sex,
marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise provided by these Canons. No right to licensing,
ordination, or election is hereby established.
D019 Extending the Rights of Laity
Resolved, the House of ------ concurring, That Title I, Canon 17, Sec. 5 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church be hereby amended to read as follows: No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship, and
governance of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified by Canons.
Earlier in GC they passed a resolution supporting equality of access to immigration independent of sexual orientation or gender identity, but these resolutions involve things we can do something about.
For a glimpse into the (semi-)private life of a church, check out #gc77 on twitter. The next big topic will be the bishops' discussion of a liturgy for blessing same-sex unions.
Bishop Gene Robinson spoke out in the House of Bishops about what his experience has been like, and apparently was supported by a standing ovation. Most folks love ++Gene.
This is hot off Twitter - you saw it here first!
2:04 PM PT: We now have the vote totals for the vote on D002:
#RIDeputyWork “@dantetavolaro: #D002 passes Lay: Y94, N11, D5. Clergy: Y95, N16, D0. Passes HoD by a lot
"Vote by orders" meant that lay and clergy votes were counted individually, and a delegation needed a majority in both for the diocese vote to be aye. Looks like lots of unanimous dioceses, there.
2:30 PM PT: Melody Shobe @melodyshobe
#GC77 A049 passes HoB! Same-Sex Blessings going to HoD.
This means that the bishops have voted in favor of the liturgy for blessing same-sex unions. The House of Deputies is almost always more liberal than the bishops so this will likely be a done deal shortly.
3:24 PM PT: The House of Bishops result is now up on MSNBC