A Letter from Bishop Ed Regarding Same-Gender Blessing and Marriage Legislation
By The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny
June 30, 2015
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write to you regarding action taken in the House of Bishops on legislation related to same gender blessing and marriage.
Yesterday, the House of Bishops voted on an amended version of Resolution A054, entitled, "Adopt Resources and Rites from 'Liturgical Resources I: I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing, Revised and Expanded 2015.' " This resolution addressed the continuation and expansion of the liturgy approved at the 2012 General Convention, "I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing".
After much debate on the floor of the House, we voted to divide the resolution A054 into two sections. The first section discussed continuing the use of the liturgy, "I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing."
As you are aware, in 2012, I voted in favor of Resolution A049, which authorized the "Trial Use" of a liturgy for the blessing of same gender unions. This resolution provided that the use of this liturgy be under the guidance and authority of the Diocesan Bishop, and that the "Trial Liturgy" could be adapted as needed for use in local contexts. Yesterday, I remained consistent in my support of this liturgy and voted in favor of this first section of Resolution A054.
The second section of Resolution A054 called for the approval of three new liturgies for use in same gender marriage and the use of the current rite of marriage found in the Book of Common Prayer. After much prayerful consideration, I voted against this second half of Resolution A054 for the reasons I outline below. Resolution A054 in its entirety, including both sections, passed the House of Bishops and now moves on to the House of Deputies for consideration.
In addition, the House of Bishops voted on Resolution A036, entitled, "Amend Canon I.18 Marriage." The current Canon language defines marriage as, "union of a man and a woman." This resolution called for altering the language of the current Canon to gender-neutral language; replacing "a man and a woman" with "both parties". These changes would have allowed for the current marriage liturgy, found in the Book of Common Prayer, to be used for the marriage of same gender couples beginning on the first Sunday of Advent 2015. After much prayerful consideration, I voted against this resolution for the reasons outlined below. However, this resolution passed in the House of Bishops, and has now been sent to the House of Deputies for consideration. The vote on this resolution does not change the definition of marriage found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer or in the Constitution of The Episcopal Church.
Altering the language of the Canon in this way places it in conflict with the language of the Book of Common Prayer. The language in the Book of Common Prayer for the Order of Marriage uses the words, "a man and a woman." However, this amended version of the Canon instead reads, "both parties." Therefore, the Canon, the Book of Common Prayer and the Constitution of The Episcopal Church are now inconsistent and in conflict.
Additionally, it is my belief that changing our Canon in this way affects the polity of the larger Church and causes strain on our relationships in the larger Anglican Communion. By voting to make these changes, we have now isolated ourselves as the only members of the Anglican Communion who have done so. This added strain will unquestioningly impact our relationships with the other members of the Anglican Communion, the full results of which, we do not yet know.
Further, I believe that simply changing the language of the current marriage liturgy to gender-neutral language is a disservice to the entire Sacrament of marriage. We have not yet fully undergone the theological work necessary to examine The Episcopal Church's understanding of marriage. Simple modification to the language of the current liturgy does not honor the Sacrament of marriage.
I have consistently honored our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in our communities, and will continue to do so. Further, I have faithfully responded to the resolutions of previous General Conventions and the Canons and Constitution of The Episcopal Church, and will continue to do so as well. I am committed to respecting same gender relationships, and will review all resolutions passed at General Convention and their impact on this matter. I will carefully examine and respond to any potential implications for our current diocesan policies.
I ask for your continued prayers for me, as well as for our Diocesan Deputation, all Deputies, Bishops and our Church as we continue to discern this and other important issues before us at General Convention.
Faithfully,
+Bishop Ed