Reflections on the House of Bishops' meeting

http://www.ednin.org/ednin/

[The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana] 28 Mar 2007--I spoke against, and voted against, these resolutions, for two reasons. First, I am not convinced that the Scheme violates our own canon law; with appropriate consultation, it could have been implemented in a way that would provide care for theological minorities in accordance with the constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church. Second, and very importantly, this rapid rejection of a section of the communiqué might well be read by our Anglican partners as a rejection of the Communion itself. Our attitude, I believe, should be one of humble listening and reflection, rather than one that focuses primarily on our provincial autonomy.

The longer resolution on the Pastoral Scheme does say the following: “We understand that the present situation requires intentional care for those within our church who find themselves in conscientious disagreement with the actions of our General Convention. We pledge ourselves to continue to work with them toward a workable arrangement.” The House of Bishops has already designed such a vehicle – Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight – and under its auspices I am one of the bishops offering episcopal care to parishes in other dioceses. DEPO has worked well in many settings. The Diocese of Northern Indiana, through our diocesan convention, has affirmed without reservation the teaching of the Windsor Report and has agreed to live in keeping with its recommendations. Our diocesan life is a model, I believe, of Anglican comprehensiveness. Christians with very different convictions on the difficult matter of human sexuality are beloved members of our community. We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (see Hebrews 12:2), who prayed at the Last Supper that we may be one as he and the Father are one (John 17:20-23). While I opposed the rapid rejection of the Pastoral Scheme by the House of Bishops, therefore, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make this Church a home for all who name Jesus as Lord and claim the Anglican heritage as their own.